No. 17 Squadron IAF


No. 17 Squadron is a squadron of the Indian Air Force stationed at the Ambala Air Force Station as part of the Western Air Command. The squadron was number-plated in 2016, but was resurrected in Ambala on 11 September 2019 with the Dassault Rafale.

History

Formed in October 1951 at Adampur under the command of Flight Lieutenant D.L. Springett, No. 17 Squadron was the last of four squadrons raised in rapid succession as part of the IAF’s emergency response to rising regional tensions. Initially equipped with Harvard aircraft, it later transitioned to Vampires.
It was moved from the East to Delhi during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War to provide air cover for the capital.
During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, under the command of Wing Commander Narinder Chatrath, No. 17 Squadron conducted a significant attack on the Kurmitola airbase near Dhaka. In this mission, Chatrath engaged two Pakistan Air Force Sabres, successfully shooting down one. For his leadership and bravery, he was awarded the Vir Chakra.
It was awarded its President's Standard on 8 November 1988 at Palam.
Currently Based at Ambala and Equipped with India's First Squadron of Dassault Rafale, The squadron has participated in the 2025 India Pakistan conflict.

Affiliation with the Indian Army

On 4 October 2021, the Squadron's affiliation with the Indian Army's Sikh Light Infantry regiment was formally signed at the Ambala Air Force Station.
The Indian Army Chief M. M. Naravane and Air Commodore Tarun Chaudhry of 17 Squadron signed the charter of affiliation.

Feature Film based on the Golden Arrows

A film is being produced on the Golden Arrows squadron based on the 1999 Kargil war, named 'Golden Arrows'. The film is dedicated to Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja who was flight commander of 17 Squadron, Golden Arrows. Wing commander Birender Singh Dhanoa was the Squadron Commander who later became the Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force. The film is being directed by Kushal Srivastava.

Aircraft

Aircraft types operated by the squadron:
Aircraft typeFromToAir base
Harvard-II B1 October 1951October 1955Ambala AFS
de Havilland VampireNovember 19551957Ambala AFS
Hawker Hunter19571975Ambala AFS
MiG-2119752016Bathinda AFS
Dassault Rafale21 September 2019PresentAmbala AFS