New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- Highlighting the foundational chapters of India's combat aviation, the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force looked back at the pioneering journey of No. 17 Squadron, a frontline unit synonymous with historic milestones and tactical air superiority.

From operating the IAF's first swept-wing fighter, the Hawker Hunter, to giving wings to the military's premier aerobatics display team, the Squadron has remained at the vanguard of air combat innovation since its inception in 1951 under the motto "Udayam Ajasram" (Ever Rising Skywards).

The Golden Arrows' first combat experience came during the campaign for the Liberation of Goa in 1961. During the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Wars, the Squadron undertook combat air pat...