The IAF’s communication Squadron; the official carrier of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, visiting heads of the states and a host of other dignitaries is in the process of modernizing its fleet. The Squadron has turned sixty and celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. On this occasion, a first day cover has been released by The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal FH Major, today in New Delhi.

The acquisition of BBJ in Apr 08 is the next step in that process. The Boeing Business Jet is a specially configured aircraft for VVIP comfort. Its interiors create a working environment befitting the VVIP’s official stature. It is more importantly equipped with the latest Self protection suit thus providing our VIPs the highest level of protection from any ground based or airborne threat.

The IAF’s communication Squadron has turned sixty and is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year. Formed in Jan 1947 the Sqn has become synonymous with India’s post Independence history. The Squadron over the last six decades other than flying the highest luminaries of the nation has also flown world leaders such as HO Chi Minh, Nikita Kruschev, Chou En, Tunku, Abdul Rehman, Jaqueline Kennedy, Shah of Iran, Tito, John Major, Bonis Yelstin, Princess Anne, Shri Premadasa, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teressa, Kofi Annan, Dalai Lama to name a few.

The Squadron has since its inception flown twelve aircraft which have been on their inventory. It all started with the Airspeed Oxford to the Present trio of Mi-8, B-737 and Embraer-135 legacy. The personnel chosen to form the Squadron are the very best and understand the responsibility they shoulder when they fly the highest ranking dignitaries of our country. In 1962 President Dr Radhakrishnan awarded the Sqn its Crest’ the Pegasus and its Motto; Seva aur Suraksha. Later in 1984 President Gyani Zail Singh awarded the Squadron his standard. It was a proud moment that emphasised the glorious deeds of almost four decades.