First IAF Squadron with BrahMos-equipped Su-30MKI to be Inaugurated Next Week

Indian Defense Minister will inaugurate the induction ceremony of first Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI squadron equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles at the Air Force Station in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu state, on January 20.

"The induction ceremony of the jets armed with BrahMos would take place on January 20 and the fighters would have the most potent platform capable of long reach and multi-role capabilities," Air Marshal Amit Tiwari said on Wednesday.

"This would be the second frontline fighter squadron of the IAF to be based in Southern India," he added.

IAF had earlier announced the resurrection of the 222 Squadron The Tigersharks on January 1 with Sukhois, local media reported.

The squadron was originally raised on September 15, 1969, with another Sukhoi fighter, the SU-7, and later with the MiG-27 ground-attack aircraft.

The resurrected 222 Squadron would be operationalised with Brahmos-equipped Sukhoi-30 air superiority fighter with twin-engine, officials said.

“The Indian Ocean Region which is a central maritime spread, bordering three continents, has an important role to play in regional peace, security and prosperity. The IAF is an intrinsically strategic force and is set to extend the reach into the vast IOR,” Tiwari said.

The ‘Tigersharks’, equipped with air superiority fighter aircraft, which are armed with 2.5 ton air-launched BrahMos missile of 300 km range, have the capability to strike from large stand-off ranges on any target at sea or on land with pin-point accuracy by day or night and in all weather conditions.