Affiliation of 17 IAF Squadron with Army’s Sikh Light Infantry signed

Tribune News Service

Ambala, October 4

The historic affiliation of 17 Squadron of Indian Air Force with the Sikh Light Infantry of Indian Army was formally signed at a solemn ceremony at the Air Force Station, Ambala, today in the presence of Air Marshal Amit Dev, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command.

The ceremony began with the inspection of the guard of honour by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who is also the Colonel Commandant of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, followed by an opening address by the AOC-in-C, WAC. Thereafter, the ‘Charter of Affiliation’ was signed by the COAS and the AOC-in-C, WAC.

The affiliation of the Regiment with the Rafale Squadron of Western Air Command will assist in development of mutual understanding of joint ethos, capability, limitations and core competencies of both services through common understanding of military tactical doctrines and concepts in the contemporary conflict environment.

COAS General Naravane highlighted that the idea behind the affiliation was aimed at greater understanding of each other’s operational ethos, building camaraderie and spirit-de-corps.

The ceremony was also marked by an aerobatics display by the mighty Rafale aircraft and a display on ground by the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment.