IAF's Sukhoi squadron to establish affiliation with Army's infantry regiment

Chief of Army Staff, Chief General J J Singh, along with Air Marshal P K Mehra, Air officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Gandhinagar based South Western Air Command (SWAC) will preside over the affiliation ceremony of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment with the 20th Sukhoi fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Belgaum today.General Singh, who was in Pune to review the passing out parade of the National Defence Academy on November 29, is the Colonel Commandant of the Martha Light Infantry while Air Marshal T S Randhawa is the Commodore Commandant of 20th Squadron of the IAF, which will affiliate to the Maratha Light Infantry. The squadron is commanded by Wing Commander George Thomas.

The Maratha Regiment is also affiliated with INS Mumbai of the Indian Navy.

The 20th Squadron of the Sukhois, also known as the 'Lightnings', was resurrected on May 20, 2002 with the SU-30 MKI aircraft. The SU -30 MKI is a multi-role fighter aircraft with immense firepower and latest avionics suite. The Squadron has a rich and distinguished history and was equipped with vampire, Hunter and MIG -21 in its inventory. The LIGHTINGS were thus, most appropriately chosen to be affiliated with the Maratha Light Infantry.

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