No. 223 Squadron IAF

No. 223 Squadron (Tridents) is a fighter squadron and is equipped with MiG-29UPG and based at Adampur AFS.[1]

No. 223 Squadron
Badge of No. 223 Squadron IAF"The Tridents"
Active	10 May 1982 - Present
Country	Republic of India
Branch	Indian Air Force
Role	Fighter
Garrison/HQ	Adampur AFS
Nickname(s)	"Tridents"
Motto(s)	Vijayastra Amoghastra Weapon for Victory
Aircraft flown
Fighter	Mig-29UPG

History

223 Squadron IAF was formed on 10 May 1982. It was the first Squadron in the IAF to be equipped with MiG-23 MF. The Squadron had the unique distinction of operating MiG-23s from Leh airport one of the highest airfields a fighter has ever operated from. The Squadron was christened The Swing Wing Interceptors in accordance with the aircraft it operated then.

In May 1989, the phasing out of MiG-23s started. Induction of the MiG-29s commenced in early 1990 and within a few months the Squadron had its full complement of aircraft and was fully operational. Since the swing wing was no more applicable the Squadron changed its nickname to Tridents.[2]

The squadron's crest shows the striking end of "Trident". As per Indian mythology, this three pronged weapon, is Lord Shiva's powerful weapon. He is also known as the God of destruction.[3]

Standard logo used on Squadron's aircraft.

Aircraft

• Mig-23MF (Historical)
• Mig-29UPG

References

1. "Squadrons and Helicopter Units". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
2. Pike, John. "Squadron 223". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
3. Pike, John. "Squadron 37". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 30 July 2017.