The IAF's 47 Squadron, a fighter unit based in Adampur, is all set to receive the President's Standard on November 10 at the Gwalior Air Force Station.
The Standard is the highest recognition of distinguished service rendered by a military unit and is awarded once.
Besides the 47 Squadron, President Pratibha Patil will also present the Standard to TACDE, a training establishment of the IAF for developing air combat tactics and team leaders, based in Gwalior, IAF officials said in Adampur.
In the IAF, Standards are bestowed on combat units while non-combat units and establishments are presented the Colours.
A ceremonial parade with a fly-past by the 47 squadron and TACDE aircraft will mark the occasion. A detachment from 47 Squadron, along with a few MiG-29 aircraft which it flies, is already at Gwalior to prepare for the historic event.
Other functions to mark the occasion include the release of a First Day Cover, a photo exhibition and some social functions. The Defence Minister and the Chief of Air Staff are among those expected to be present at the parade.
Tasked to defend the Indian skies from enemy air attacks from the western border with Pakistan, particularly Punjab, the 47 Squadron, also called the Black Archers, was raised on Toofani aircraft at Halwara in December 1959, with Sqn Ldr DA Lafontaine, who later rose to become the Chief of Air Staff, as its first commander.
{{/usCountry}}Tasked to defend the Indian skies from enemy air attacks from the western border with Pakistan, particularly Punjab, the 47 Squadron, also called the Black Archers, was raised on Toofani aircraft at Halwara in December 1959, with Sqn Ldr DA Lafontaine, who later rose to become the Chief of Air Staff, as its first commander.
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