Tuskers, No 5 Squadron Air Force celebrates platinum jubliee

November 2, 1948 saw the birth of TUSKERS under the leadership of Wg Cdr JRS ‘Danny’ Dantra at Kanpur, equipped with B-24 Liberator heavy bomber aircraft.

Chandigarh: No. 5 Squadron Air Force, also known as the “Tuskers”, has completed Seventy-Five glorious years of service. To commemorate the achievement, the Squadron celebrated its Platinum Jubilee today at Air Force Station Ambala.

On this occasion, a special ‘postal cover’ was released by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Commodore Commandant of the No.5 Squadron. He said that It was a tribute to all those, who had contributed to building the rich legacy of the Squadron. The ceremony was attended by serving personnel and veterans, who had served in the squadron, throughout its illustrious history.

During this event, the audience was treated to scintillating Air Display by the Suryakiran Aerobatics Team, the Aakashganga para-diving team, Rafale and Jaguar aircraft formations.

November 2, 1948 saw the birth of TUSKERS under the leadership of Wg Cdr JRS ‘Danny’ Dantra at Kanpur, equipped with B-24 Liberator heavy bomber aircraft. The Squadron has been pivotal in safe-guarding the skies and upholding the honour of the nation, be it the Operations in Congo, the 1965 War with Pakistan or 1971 War for Liberation of Bangladesh.

In 1961, under the aegis the United Nations, during operations in Congo, 5 Squadron operated Canberra long range attack aircraft. This type of unique capability was provided only by this aircraft to the UN for its military mission. 5 Sqn, also remains the only fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to have been deployed in a UN mission.

During the 1965 war, 5 Squadron with an offensive role, raided Sargodha and Peshawar airfield with Canberra aircraft at least six times. For outstanding services during the 1965 war, Squadron personnel were awarded one MVC, four VrCs and three VSMs. The Squadron was employed in war for the third time in 1971 and took its strikes deep into enemy territory, attacking PAF bases at Sargodha, Chander and Risalewala.

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