IAF 18 Squadron celebrates Diamond Jubilee at Air Force Station Naliya

Ahmedabad (06-12-2025) The Indian Air Force 18 Squadron, also known as ‘Flying Bullets’, celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on 05 December 2025, at Air Force Station Naliya. Formed on 15 April 1965 at Ambala, the Squadron has a rich history of operating various aircraft including Gnat, Ajeet, MiG-27 ML and is currently operating indigenous Tejas Mk1 (FOC) aircraft.

The Squadron earned the name ‘Defenders of the Valley’ for its heroic defence of Srinagar during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who made the supreme sacrifice during the war, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), making 18 Squadron the only PVC Squadron of the Indian Air Force.

To commemorate this milestone, a seminar was held at Air Force Station Naliya, followed by air displays by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and Akashganga. The event was graced by Air Marshal J Chauhan (Retired), the senior most veteran and Air Vice Marshal Subramanian Krishanan, the senior most serving officer. A special cover and Squadron History Book were also released to mark the occasion.