Exclusive: Ground Report Inside Ambala's Golden Arrows Squadron

Nestled in the heart of Haryana, the Ambala Air Force Station stands as a fortress of India’s air power, home to the elite No. 17 Squadron, famously known as the Golden Arrows. On August 15, 2025, marking 100 days since the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) historic Operation Sindoor, India Today provided an unprecedented ground report from this strategic base, offering a rare glimpse into the operations of the Rafale-equipped squadron that redefined modern aerial warfare. This exclusive report delves into the squadron’s pivotal role, the cutting-edge capabilities of the Rafale jets, and the legacy of the Golden Arrows in safeguarding India’s skies.

A Legacy of Valor: The Golden Arrows Squadron

The No. 17 Squadron, established in October 1951 at Adampur, has a storied history of courage and precision. Initially equipped with Harvard aircraft, it transitioned through Vampires, Hawker Hunters, and MiG-21s before being number-plated in 2016. Resurrected on September 11, 2019, under the command of Group Captain Rohit Kataria, the squadron became the first to operate the Dassault Rafale, a 4.5-generation omni-role fighter jet procured from France. Stationed at Ambala, approximately 200 kilometers from the India-Pakistan border, the Golden Arrows are a cornerstone of the IAF’s Western Air Command.

The squadron’s legacy includes significant contributions during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani wars, with Wing Commander Narinder Chatrath earning the Vir Chakra for downing a Pakistan Air Force Sabre in 1971. Its affiliation with the Indian Army’s Sikh Light Infantry, formalized in 2021, underscores its deep ties with India’s military heritage. The squadron’s nickname, “Golden Arrows,” and motto, Udayām Ajasram (Arise Forever), reflect its enduring commitment to excellence.

Operation Sindoor: A Game-Changer

Launched on May 7, 2025, in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Operation Sindoor showcased the Rafale’s unmatched combat prowess. Taking off from Ambala’s runway, the Golden Arrows executed precision strikes on nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, followed by coordinated attacks that crippled over a dozen Pakistani air bases. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh described the 88–90-hour operation as a “high-tech war,” with the IAF downing at least six Pakistani aircraft, including five fighters and one AWACS, and damaging additional assets at Bholari Air Base.

The commanding officer of the Golden Arrows emphasized the mission’s precision, stating, “The roles assigned to the squadron and the aircraft were successfully completed, and whatever weapons were delivered were very, very precise.” The operation not only neutralized immediate threats but also sent a clear message about India’s air superiority, reshaping regional combat dynamics.

Inside the Rafale: Omni-Role Dominance

The Rafale jets, commissioned between 2019 and 2020, are the backbone of the Golden Arrows’ success. These twin-engine, omni-role fighters are designed to perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions in a single sortie, a capability that sets them apart. The report highlighted the following features of the Rafale:

• Meteor Missiles: Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles with a range exceeding 150 km, unmatched in the region.
• SCALP Cruise Missiles: Long-range precision strikes on fortified targets over 300 km away.
• HAMMER Missiles: Precision-guided munitions for pinpoint accuracy.
• Spectra Electronic Warfare Suite: Advanced jamming, threat detection, and self-protection systems.
• Thales Targeting Pod: Ensures pinpoint accuracy in all weather conditions.
• Combat Radius: Over 1,000 km, extendable with aerial refueling, enabling long-endurance missions.
• Speed and Agility: Top speed of Mach 1.8 with exceptional maneuverability for dogfights.

The Rafale’s man-machine interface enhances pilot performance in combat-dense environments, while its radar tracks both air and ground targets simultaneously. The squadron’s rigorous training, supported by state-of-the-art simulators, ensures pilots maximize the jet’s versatile capabilities.

Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes

The ground report offered rare insights into the operations at Ambala, showcasing the dedication of pilots, engineers, and maintenance crews. Before each sortie, the team conducts meticulous external inspections to ensure mission readiness. The IAF follows a maintenance philosophy aligned with Dassault Aviation, using an integrated management system to monitor the aircraft’s health post-sortie, ensuring rapid turnaround for subsequent missions.

Pilots undergo a steep learning curve to master the Rafale’s complex systems, with simulators playing a critical role in training. The proximity of Ambala to the Line of Control (LoC) allows the Golden Arrows to respond swiftly to threats, as demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. The report also highlighted the emotional toll of the mission, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh paying tribute to late Sergeant Surendra Kumar, who lost his life during the operation, by visiting his family in Rajasthan.

Strategic Implications and Future Plans

The success of Operation Sindoor has prompted the IAF to formally propose acquiring additional Rafale jets to replace its aging MiG series, set to be phased out soon. With only two Rafale squadrons—Golden Arrows in Ambala and another in Hasimara—the IAF aims to bolster its depleting squadron strength to maintain a technological edge in the region. The Rafale’s proven combat performance, particularly in dominating air-to-air and deep-strike roles, strengthens the case for fleet expansion.

Posts on X reflect public pride in the Golden Arrows’ achievements, with users noting the squadron’s prominence in media coverage and its role in reshaping India’s air power narrative. The operation’s success has also drawn attention to the need for continued investment in advanced defense technologies.

A Cinematic Tribute

The Golden Arrows’ legacy is set to be immortalized in a feature film titled Golden Arrows, focusing on the 1999 Kargil War, where the squadron, then led by Wing Commander Birender Singh Dhanoa (later Air Chief Marshal), played a pivotal role. The film will honor Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, who was killed in action, and highlight the squadron’s enduring contribution to India’s defense.

Final Thoughts

The Golden Arrows Squadron, with its Rafale jets, represents the pinnacle of India’s air combat capabilities. The exclusive ground report from Ambala Air Force Station reveals not just the technological marvel of the Rafale but the unwavering dedication of the men and women behind it. From precision strikes in Operation Sindoor to their readiness to defend India’s skies, the Golden Arrows embody resilience and innovation. As India looks to expand its Rafale fleet, the squadron’s legacy as a game-changer in modern warfare continues to soar, ensuring the nation’s aerial dominance for years to come.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on publicly available information from credible sources. For the latest updates, refer to official IAF statements or trusted news outlets.