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On Friday the 8th of March 2024, the President of India Droupadi Murmu, awarded the prestigious President’s Standard to 45 Squadron and 221 Squadron, and the President’s Colours to 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 509 Signal Unit (SU) of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The award of the President’s Standard and Colours is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit.

This is the first time in the history of the IAF that four units have been awarded the President’s Standard and Colours together in a single ceremony.

The President’s Standard were received by Group Captain M Surendran, Commanding Officer of 45 Squadron and Group Captain Shubhankan, Commanding Officer of 221 Squadron.

The President’s Colours were received by Air Commodore Ashutosh Vaidya, Air Officer Commanding of 11 BRD and Group Captain Vivek Sharma, Commanding Officer of 509 SU during an impressive parade at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad.

On arrival at the Hindon Air Base, the President was presented with an aerial salute by three Mi-171V helicopters in ‘Dhwaj’ formation trooping the National flag.

The Indian Post and Telegraph Department issued First Day covers for 45 Squadron, 221 Squadron, 11 Base Repair Depot and 509 Signal Unit.