Offensive Boost For IAF Following Su-30 MKI Deployment To Halwara Base, Bordering Pakistan

Indian Air Force has enhanced its offensive capability following the deployment of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets to frontline base in Punjab’s Halwara, which is close to the Indo-Pak border.

The Su-30 MKI jets were today inducted into the IAF’s ‘Valiant’ squadron, Press Trust of India reported Monday.

The deployment of additional Su-30 MKI jets at the airbase follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan and will boost the offensive capabilities of the IAF in this sector, the air force said about the induction of the jets into the Valiant squadron.

In a ceremony on 24 April, the Su-30 MKI aircraft was inducted into 221 Squadron, ‘Valiants’, of the IAF. The ‘Valiants’ which flew Mig-23 aircraft till 2009, is now equipped with the formidable Su-30 MKI aircraft.

The 'Valiant' was formed as an offensive fighter squadron in 1963 at Barrackpore in West Bengal. The Su-30 MKI is an all weather multi-role fighter aircraft capable of undertaking varied air combat and ground attack missions.

The Squadron was than equipped with three types of aircraft namely the Vampires, Spitfire, Hurricane and Su-7 aircraft.