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No. 16 Squadron Indian Air Force (Black Cobras), is a counter-air and interdiction unit, operating out of the Indian Air Force station in Gorakhpur.[1]

No. 16 Squadron
Active	1951 - Present
Country	Republic of India
Branch	Indian Air Force
Role	Interdiction
Part of	Central Air Command (India)
Garrison/HQ	Gorakhpur AFS
Nickname(s)	"Cobras"
Motto(s)	Praharodata Ready to Strike
Mascot(s)	Coiled Cobra
Insignia
Identification symbol	Coiled Cobra
Aircraft flown
Attack	SEPECAT Jaguar IB/IS

In 2001, the squadron was operating SEPECAT Jaguar IS and IB fighter jets. The squadron started using them in October 1986, and was still using them as of 2001.[2]

History

This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2020)

16 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was formed at Pune in 1950, with six Supermarine Spitfires, and one Hawker Tempest. They served as a bomber squadron of the Western Air Command.[1]

The squadron was re-equipped in 1954, with B-24 Liberators. Its role was also changed to heavy bombing. In 1957, the squadron received English Electric Canberras, and was moved to Kalaikunda. In October–December 1986, the squadron was re-equipped with SEPECAT Jaguars, which are deep penetration strike aircraft. The squadron’s current roles are identified as counter-air and interdiction.[1][2]

Use in combat

The squadron entered battle for the first time during the annexation of Goa, where it flew bombing raids against Dabolim Airfield. The squadron also flew a few raids in Diu.

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the squadron flew several sorties and strike missions.

During the War of 1971, the squadron was involved in many missions under the command of Commander P. Gautam (MVC, Bar to VM).

Aircraft

Aircraft types operated by the squadron[3]

Aircraft Type	From	To	Air Base
Harvard IIB	February 1950	February 195	AFS Pune
Hawker Tempest II
Consolidated B-24 Liberator	October 1954	July 1956
English Electric Canberra B(I).58	December 1957	October 1986	AFS Kalaikunda
SEPECAT Jaguar IS	November 1986	Present	AFS Gorakhpur

Awards

• Wg Cdr Padmanabha Gautam GDP, MVC
• JWO Kuthukallunkal Krishnan Raju Eng/Fit, CAS Commendation
• Air Cmde William George Beddoe GDP, Vayu Sena Medal, CAS Commendation

References

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