Sikh Light Infantry Signs Affiliation With IAF’s 17 Squadron In Ambala

(This was originally posted in Times Of India by JK Singh)

The historic affiliation of 17 Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment (SLIR) of Indian Army was formally signed at a ceremony at Ambala Cantonment on Monday. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who is also the Colonel of the SLIR, signed the charter of affiliation with Air Cmde Tarun Chaudhry, Commodore Commandant, 17 Squadron.

The affiliation of SLIR with Rafale’s 17 Squadron of the Western Air Command will assist them in the development of mutual understanding of joint ethos, capability, limitations and core competencies of the other service through common understanding of military tactical doctrines and concepts in the contemporary conflict environment.

General Naravane said this enhanced synergy and understanding of each other’s strength will act as “Force Multiplier within our armed forces”.No. 17 Squadron Air Force – The Golden Arrows was formed on October 1, 1951, which played important roles in the battle during Goa Liberation Campaign, 1965 India-Pakistan War and 1971 operations. The Golden Arrows was resurrected at Ambala in September 2019, which was its birth place in 1951, and became the first ‘Rafale’ Squadron of IAF

The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment inherits its ancestry from the Sikh Pioneers, which was raised in 1857. After 75 years of service, the Sikh Pioneers was disbanded in 1932. During World War II, the necessity of a tough and hard hitting infantry was felt and thus Sikh Pioneers was re-raised in October 1941 as Sikh Light Infantry. The SLIR has participated in various operations like World War II, Operation (OP) Vijay, OP Orchid, OP Cactus Lily, OP Blue Star, OP Rakshak, OP Rhino, OP Snow Leopard and others.

The ceremony was also marked by an aerobatics display by the Rafale aircraft. COAS visits Kharga Corps COAS Narvane visited Kharga Corps to review the operational preparedness and laid a wreath at Vijay Smarak in Ambala Cantonment.
At a special ‘Sainik Sammelan’ in Raina Auditorium, the COAS lauded the exemplary zeal displayed by all ranks of the Corps during all operations till date. He also motivated all ranks to rededicate themselves for the highest professional and operational standards set by the Corps. The Kharga Corps was raised to battle the enemy at Krishnanagar in West Bengal under the leadership of Lt Gen TN Raina.