| No. 17 Squadron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Air Force |
| Role | Fighter |
| Garrison/HQ | Ambala Air Force Station |
| Nickname | "Golden Arrows" |
| Mottos | Udayām Ajasram Arise Forever |
| Commanders | |
| Commanding Officer | Group Captain Rohit Kataria[1] |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Dassault Rafale |
No. 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows) is asquadron of theIndian Air Force stationed at theAmbala Air Force Station as part of theWestern Air Command.[2][3] The squadron was number-plated in 2016, but was resurrected in Ambala on 11 September 2019 with theDassault Rafale.[4]
Formed in October 1951 at Adampur under the command of Flight Lieutenant D.L. Springett, No. 17 Squadron was the last of four squadrons raised in rapid succession as part of the IAF’s emergency response to rising regional tensions. Initially equipped with Harvard aircraft, it later transitioned to Vampires.[5]
It was moved from the East to Delhi during the1965 Indo-Pakistani War to provide air cover for the capital.[6]
During the1971 Indo-Pakistani War, under the command of Wing Commander Narinder Chatrath, No. 17 Squadron conducted a significant attack on the Kurmitola airbase nearDhaka. In this mission, Chatrath engaged twoPakistan Air ForceSabres, successfully shooting down one. For his leadership and bravery, he was awarded theVir Chakra.[7]
It was awarded itsPresident's Standard on 8 November 1988 atPalam.[8]
Currently Based at Ambala and Equipped with India's First Squadron ofDassault Rafale, The squadron has participated in the2025 India Pakistan conflict.[9]
On 4 October 2021, the Squadron's affiliation with theIndian Army'sSikh Light Infantry regiment was formally signed at theAmbala Air Force Station.[10]
The Indian Army ChiefM. M. Naravane and Air Commodore Tarun Chaudhry of 17 Squadron signed the charter of affiliation.[11]
A film is being produced on the Golden Arrows squadron based on the 1999 Kargil war, named 'Golden Arrows'. The film is dedicated to Sqn LdrAjay Ahuja who was flight commander of 17 Squadron, Golden Arrows. Wing commanderBirender Singh Dhanoa was the Squadron Commander who later became theAir Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force. The film is being directed byKushal Srivastava.[12][13]
Aircraft types operated by the squadron:
| Aircraft type | From | To | Air base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard-II B | 1 October 1951 | October 1955 | Ambala AFS[2][14] |
| de Havilland Vampire | November 1955 | 1957 | |
| Hawker Hunter | 1957 | 1975 | |
| MiG-21 | 1975 | 2016 | Bathinda AFS[2][15] |
| Dassault Rafale | 21 September 2019 | Present | Ambala AFS[4] |
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