- Diamond Jubilee at Naliya honours the only Param Vir Chakra squadron of the Air Force
- From defending Srinagar in 1971 to flying Tejas Mk1 today, the Bullets embody raw bravery and national pride
- Youth inspired as Surya Kiran and Akashganga salute the legacy of India’s most decorated fighter unit
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, DEC 7
The legendary Indian Air Force 18 Squadron, proudly known as the Flying Bullets, marked its Diamond Jubilee at Air Force Station Naliya—celebrating six decades of unmatched courage, sacrifice and service to the nation.
Raised on 15 April 1965 at Ambala Air Force Station, the squadron has flown some of India’s most iconic fighter aircraft—from the Gnat and Ajeet to the MiG-27 ML. Today, the Flying Bullets roar ahead with the indigenous Tejas Mk1 FOC, symbolising India’s technological rise and the squadron’s fighting pedigree.
The Only Param Vir Chakra Squadron: A Legacy That Defines Bravery
The Flying Bullets earned the title “Defenders of the Valley” for their heroic defence of Srinagar during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
It was here that Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, flying against overwhelming odds, made the supreme sacrifice while defending the airfield. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, making 18 Squadron the only PVC-awarded unit in the history of the Indian Air Force—an honour that continues to inspire generations of air warriors.
A New Generation Feels the Call of Duty
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations featured a seminar followed by enthralling air displays by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the Akashganga. Their breathtaking formations and skydiving manoeuvres brought thunderous applause from young spectators, many of whom shared emotional posts online, calling 18 Squadron’s legacy “a reason to join the IAF.”
The event also witnessed the release of a special cover and a Squadron History Book, honouring veterans and serving warriors who have carried the Flying Bullets’ spirit forward.
As India salutes 60 years of 18 Squadron, the message to the nation’s youth is clear:
Courage is timeless. The sky awaits new defenders.
