OPERATIONALISATION OF 18 SQN:
18 Squadron, the "Flying Bullets" was operationalised by CAS ACM RKS Bhadauria at AFS Sulur today. The Sqn has a distinguished history of having Fg Offr Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon PVC (P) on its honour roll.

He flew his legendary mission in 1971 from Srinagar while serving in 18 Sqn. The Squadron also has the unique distinction of inducting two HAL built fighters that too in Sulur- the Ajeet and now the Tejas.

The event was also attended by the AOC-in-C SAC Air Mshl Amit Tiwari and Mr R Madhavan, CMD HAL amongst other distinguished guests from the IAF and ADA. The occasion was a significant milestone in the Tejas programme as it marked the induction of the FOC variant.

During the ceremony, aircraft documents of the Tejas FOC were handed over by HAL CMD to the CAS & further to the Commanding Officer of 18 Sqn.

A Flypast by MI17 V5, ALH, An-32 and Tejas aircraft was followed by a traditional water cannon salute to the 18 Sqn fighters as they taxied in to their home tarmac for the first time.
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