Jorhat: Indian Air Force’s (IAF) 49 Squadron also known as “The Paraspears”, celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on Sunday under the guidance of 10 Wing, Air Force Station Jorhat commanded by Air Officer Commanding, Air Commodore Manoj Kumar Jha.
They have been a lifeline to the Indian Army, ITBP and civilians located in the treacherous and inhospitable terrains of the northeast since its inception at Barrackpore on 1960.
It was initially equipped with Dakota aircraft before moving to its present location in May 1962. The squadron was re-equipped with An-32 aircraft in Sep 1984, Tezpur-based Defence PRO Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande said.
The Squadron holds a unique distinction of participating in the famous ‘Tangail Drop’ operation in December, 1971.
It was the largest airborne assault undertaken by any air force in the world, since World War II.
To commemorate this occasion, various events were organised from January 31-February 03 at Air Force Station Jorhat. A fabulous display of air assets available in Eastern Air Command was organized on Sunday, Lt Col Pande said.
A large gathering of serving and retired officers, their families, school children and NCC cadets attended the function.
The recreation of capture of Poongli Bridge during Tangail Drop jointly done by IAF and Indian Army received special applause from the spectators.
The performance by the Aakash Ganga Para team and Air Warrior Drill Team kept the audience enthralled.
The entire event left an everlasting and unique impression on the audience at Air Force Station Jorhat.
The “Paraspears” have an indelible contribution in various operations like Sino-Indian war of 1962, Indo-Pak wars of 1965 & 1971, Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka (1987), Op Cactus in Maldives (1989) and Kargil Operations in 1999.
The squadron has also heavily contributed in disaster relief to affected civilians affected due to floods and natural calamities in the North east region.
