No. 223 Squadron IAF
| No. 223 Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Badge of No. 223 Squadron IAF"The Tridents" | |
| Active | 10 May 1982 - Present |
| Country |
 Republic of India |
| Branch |
 Indian Air Force |
| Role | Fighter |
| Garrison/HQ | Adampur AFS |
| Nickname(s) | "Tridents" |
| Motto(s) |
Vijayastra Amoghastra Weapon for Victory |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | MiG-29UPG[1] |
No. 223 Squadron (Tridents) is a fighter squadron and is equipped with MiG-29UPG and based at Adampur AFS.[2]
History
223 Squadron IAF was formed on 10 May 1982. It was the first Squadron in the IAF to be equipped with MiG-23 MF . The Squadron had the unique distinction of operating MiG-23s from Leh airport one of the highest airfields a fighter has ever operated from. The Squadron was christened The Swing Wing Interceptors in accordance with the aircraft it operated then.
In May 1989, the phasing out of MiG-23s started. Induction of the MiG-29s commenced in early 1990 and within a few months the Squadron had its full complement of aircraft and was fully operational. Since the swing wing was no more applicable the Squadron changed its nickname to Tridents.[3]
The squadron's crest shows the striking end of the "Vajra" or "Trident". As per Indian mythology, this three pronged weapon, is Lord Indra's powerful thunderbolt.[4]
Aircraft
References
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