The Indian Air Force’s No. 17 Squadron, known as the Golden Arrows, completed 75 years on 1 October 2026. The squadron was raised on 1 October 1951 at Air Force Station Ambala, and Flight Lieutenant D. L. Springett served as its first commanding officer.
Formation and Early Aircraft
No. 17 Squadron began as a tactical reconnaissance unit in 1951. It first operated 12 American Harvard-II B aircraft and later converted to British de Havilland Vampires in 1955. The Vampire was among the early jet aircraft inducted by the Indian Air Force.
Operational History
The squadron has served in major Indian military operations since the 1960s. Its operational record includes the 1961 Liberation of Goa, the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, the Kargil conflict of 1999, the Balakot strikes, and Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Disbandment and Re-induction
The squadron was number-plated in 2016 during the phase-out of MiG-21 aircraft. It was re-raised on 11 September 2019 at Ambala Air Force Station and became the first Indian Air Force unit to operate the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft.
Important Facts for Exams
- No. 17 Squadron was raised at Air Force Station Ambala on 1 October 1951.
- Flight Lieutenant D. L. Springett was the first commanding officer of the squadron.
- The squadron became the first Indian Air Force unit to operate the Dassault Rafale.
- Operation Safed Sagar was the Indian Air Force air campaign during the Kargil conflict of 1999.
Recent Recognition and Public Memory
In October 2025, No. 17 Squadron received a Unit Citation for its performance during Operation Sindoor under Group Captain Amit Gehani. The squadron’s role in the Kargil war was later depicted in a Netflix series released in August 2026.
