Rafale, Sukhoi and S-400 squadrons awarded 'Unit Citations'

Indian Air Force's (IAF) fighter jet and missile squadrons which played a key part in Operation Sindoor were today awarded 'Unit Citations' appreciating their role in the skirmish with Pakistan in May this year.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh awarded the citations at the Air Force day parade at Hindon air bases, east of the National capital.

Citations were awarded to a squadron of Rafale jets and Sukhoi 30-MKI jets.

The Sukhoi 30-MKI jet squadron number 222 that did the maximum damage to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases on May 10 was awarded the citation. The IAF's Sukhoi jets launched BrahMos missiles onto the PAF air bases, 13 of them were damaged leading to a call by Pakistan seeking cessation of hostilities. The 17 squadron, that flies the Rafale, was also awarded for its role. On May 7, when operation Sindoor was started, the precision missiles on board the French-orgin jet hit at terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Notably, a S-400 air defence missile squadron was also given the 'unit Citation'. The Russian origin system which has a mix of radars and long-range hit at several Pakistan planes and missiles. Last month IAF Chief hailed the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system and called it a "game-changer" in saying the S-400 denied the enemy freedom to operate even inside its own territory.

The IAF chief also awarded a 'citation' to a squadron of loitering ammunition. The squadron uses special drones which do a 'kamikaze' strike and self-destruct at target.

The loitering ammunition was used to strike a targets in Pakistan.