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{{Short description|Indian Airforce Base in Coimbatore Tamilnadu India}}
{{Short description|Indian Airforce Base in Coimbatore Tamilnadu India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox airport
{{Infobox airport
| name        = Sulur Air Force Station
| name        = Sulur Air Force Station
| nativename  = சூலூர் விமானப்படை நிலையம்
| nativename  = {{lang|ta|Sulur Vanoorthipadai Nilayam}}
| image        = [[File:Roundel of India.svg|60px]]
| image        = [[File:Roundel of India.svg|60px]]
| IATA        =  
| IATA        =  
Line 9: Line 9:
| type        = Military
| type        = Military
| owner        = [[Indian Air Force]]
| owner        = [[Indian Air Force]]
| operator    = [[Southern Air Command (India)]]
| operator    = [[Southern Air Command (India)|Southern Air Command]]
| city-served  =  
| city-served  =  
| location    = [[Sulur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| location    = [[Sulur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| elevation-f  = 1250
| elevation-f  = 1250
| elevation-m  = 381
| elevation-m  = 381
| coordinates  = {{coord|11|00|49|N|077|09|35|E|region:IN_type:airport}}
| coordinates  = {{coord|11|00|49|N|077|09|35|E|region:IN_type:airport}}
| pushpin_map  = India Tamil Nadu#India
| website      =  
| website      =  
| metric-rwy  = y
| metric-rwy  = y
Line 21: Line 22:
| r1-length-f  = 8,255
| r1-length-f  = 8,255
| r1-surface  = Asphalt
| r1-surface  = Asphalt
| footnotes    = Source: [[DAFIF]]<ref name="WAD">[http://www.worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=IN00025&sch=sulur Airport information for VOSX] from [[DAFIF]]</ref>
| footnotes    = Source:<ref name="VOSX">{{cite web|url=https://skyvector.com/airport/VOSX/Sulur-Airport|title=Sulur Airport|work=Sky Vector|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''Sulur Air Force Station''' is an [[Military airbase|air base]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] located  at [[Sulur]] near [[Coimbatore]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and is India's second largest air base after [[Hindon Air Force Station|Hindon AFS]]. It is the base which is responsible for protection of India's sea area. It is the only base in India which handles both fighter and transport flights at one location; no other base in India is equipped to do so. It is also the  only IAF base in India to have all Departments at one location: fighters, carrier planes, carrier helicopters, attack helicopters, a repair and overhauling depot, TETTRA school, Garud Force, Air Force Hospital, Southern Command Sub Headquarters, & ECHS.<ref name="tejas-op">{{cite news |title=Tejas Commences Operations From Kerala's Sulur Air Force Station |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-made-tejas-fighter-aircraft-takes-first-flight-from-air-force-station-in-sulur-kerala-1876739 |work=NDTV |agency=Press Trust of India |date=2 July 2022}}</ref> It is a former [[Royal Navy]] and [[Indian Navy]] base.
'''Sulur Air Force Station''' is an [[air base]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] located  at [[Sulur]] near [[Coimbatore]] in [[Tamil Nadu]]. It is operated by the [[Southern Air Command (India)|Southern Air Command]] and is the second largest air base of the Indian Air Force after the [[Hindon Air Force Station]]. The base is tasked with protecting the coasts of [[Southern India]]. The base is home to the No. 5 Base Repair Depot and No. 43 Wing of the Indian Air Force. It also serves as one of the operating bases of [[Garud Commando Force]], the [[special forces]] unit of the Air Force.


==History==
The airbase accommodates a fleet of [[Antonov An-32]] [[transport aircraft]], [[Mil Mi-17]] [[transport helicopter]]s, [[HAL Dhruv]] [[utility helicopters]] of the [[Sarang display team]], and [[HAL Tejas]] [[fighter aircraft]]. It is the only air force station in India which hosts fighters, transport planes, helicopters, [[microlights]], and [[paragliders]] at a single venue. The base also hosts repair and overhauling depots, maintenance and storage hangars for aircraft, a flying school and a Type Training School (TETTRA) of the Air Force.
The base was established in 1940 by the [[Royal Navy]] of the then [[British Raj]]. The base was called HMS ''Vairi'' and hosted a [[Fleet Air Arm]] Royal Navy Air Yard (RNAY) known as RNAY Sulur, a repair base for aircraft operating in Southeast Asia during World War II. The base was burned down on 26 August 1942 during the 1942 August revolution. In 1943, the Indian Royal Air Force came to Sulur, which later transferred to Cochin in 1949.


After gaining independence, the Indian Navy established [[INS Hansa]] to operate [[Hawker Sea Hawk]]s. After the liberation of Goa, INA Hansa was shifted to Goa's [[Dabolim]] airfield and Sulur was taken over by the air force. In 1955, the 5BRD (No 5, Base Repair Depot) of the Indian Air Force was planned and it started functioning in 1959. The airbase was also used for civil aviation and for racing motorcycles and cars in the 1960s.
The base was established as a transit base for the [[Allies of World War II|Allied forces]] during the [[Second World War]]. It was taken over by the [[Royal Air Force]] after the war. After [[Independence Day (India)|Indian Independence]], the base was used by the [[Indian Navy]]. In 1956, it was taken over by the Indian Air Force.


Since 14 January 1984 this base has been completely operated and maintained by the Indian Air Force.
== History ==
The Sulur air base was established in the early 1940s by the [[Royal Navy]] as RNAS Sulur to serve as a transit base for the [[Allies of World War II|Allied forces]] during the [[Second World War]].<ref name="BRD">{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/5+BRD|title=No.5 Unit BRD|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="History">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/sulur.htm|title=Sulur Airbase|work=Global Security|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=26 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926103841/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/sulur.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The air field was commissioned in 1942 as a [[Royal Air Force]] base under the South East Asian Command. The base was burnt down during the [[Quit India Movement]] of 1942.<ref name="History"/> It was later handed over to the Royal Navy and was known as HMS Vairi in 1945.<ref name="RNRA">{{cite web|url=https://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/FAA-Bases/Sulur.htm|title=FAA Base, Sulur|work=Royal Navy Research Archive|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> The [[Royal Indian Air Force]] also started operating from the base.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/when-coimbatores-peelamedu-housed-royal-naval-aircraft-repair-yard/article68898649.ece|title=When Peelamedu housed Royal Naval Aircraft Repair Yard|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 November 2024|access-date=1 April 2025}}</ref> As per Royal Navy report from 1945, the airbase had nine aircraft standing areas, four aprons, 16 aircraft pens, and storage hangars, apart from attached fuel stations, armory, and officer accommodation.<ref name="RNRA"/>


==Operational aircraft ==
Post [[Independence Day (India)|Indian independence]] in 1947, the [[Indian Navy]] took over the base and established [[INS Hansa]].<ref name="BRD"/> In 1956, the [[Indian Air Force]] took over the station. It was converted it into a repair station for aircraft and the No. 5 Base Repair Depot (5 BRD) was established at the station.<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sulur-air-force-grand-in-size-but-in-news-for-wrong-reasons/cid/1842467|title=Sulur Air Force: Grand in size but in news for wrong reasons|work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|date=9 December 2021|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208222047/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sulur-air-force-grand-in-size-but-in-news-for-wrong-reasons/cid/1842467|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1964, the Air Force established a hangars for storage of aircraft, and accommodation for non-commissioned officers. The No.33 Equipment Depot (ED) was commissioned at the airbase in 1967, and the station undertook maintenance and overhaul of [[Folland Gnats]] and [[Hawker Siddeley HS 748|Avro HS 748]] aircraft of the Air Force.<ref name="BRD"/><ref name="Mano">{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2019/01/19/sulur-iaf-future-flying-over.html|title=Locked on to future, Sulur emerging as IAF's key base|work=[[Manorama News]]|date=19 January 2019|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> The air base provided support for the Indian military operations during the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] in 1971.<ref name="Telegraph"/> The No.43 Wing of the Indian Air Force was established at Sulur on 14 October 1985, and took over part of the assets from the No.5 BRD unit.<ref name="Wing"/> It served as a support base during the deployment of the [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]] in Sri Lanka in 1987.<ref name="Telegraph"/>  
The base is home for 5 Base Repair Depot and 43 Wing of the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{cite news |title=AF Sulur to get Light Combat Aircraft in 2010: Air Chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/AF-Sulur-to-get-Light-Combat-Aircraft-in-2010-Air-Chief/article15205140.ece |work=The Hindu |date=17 April 2008 |language=en-IN}}</ref> The [[No. 33 Squadron IAF|33 squadron]] "Himalayan Geese" which operated [[Antonov An-32]] medium transport aircraft is based at Sulur.<ref>{{cite news |title=33 Squadron celebrates anniversary |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/33-Squadron-celebrates-anniversary/article16363862.ece |work=The Hindu |date=4 April 2010 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Selfless service earns two IAF squadrons President's Standard |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/selfless-service-earns-two-iaf-squadrons-presidents-standard/article4190344.ece |work=The Hindu |date=12 December 2012 |language=en-IN}}</ref> The base also accommodates [[No. 109 Helicopter Unit, IAF|109 helicopter unit]] "Knights" operating [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17 V5]] transport helicopters.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Wilson |title=How air warriors fromSulur flew to help Kerala |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/how-air-warriors-fromsulur-flew-to-help-kerala/article24795453.ece |work=The Hindu |date=28 August 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref> The [[Sarang display team|Sarang]] helicopter display team belonging to [[No. 151 Helicopter Unit, IAF|151 Squadron]] of the Indian Air Force has its primary garrison at Sulur and operates modified [[HAL Dhruv]] helicopters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sarang – from display to rescue |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sarang-from-display-to-rescue/article4910908.ece |work=The Hindu |date=13 July 2013 |language=en-IN}}</ref> Starting from July 2018, the air force station is also home of the [[No. 45 Squadron IAF|45 Squadron]] "Flying Daggers", which operates [[HAL Tejas]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Siddiqui |first=Huma |date=November 13, 2019  |title=More firepower to Indian Air Force! IAF to receive around 200 fighter aircrafts &#91;sic&#93; |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/more-firepower-to-indian-air-force-iaf-to-receive-around-200-fighter-aircrafts/1763782/ |access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref> On May 27, 2020, [[No. 18 Squadron IAF|18 Squadron]] "Flying Bullets" was operationalised from this air base.<ref>{{Cite news |title=LCA Tejas to join IAF 18 Squadron today at Tamil Nadu's Sulur airbase |work=Zee News |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/lca-tejas-to-join-iaf-18-squadron-today-at-tamil-nadus-sulur-airbase-2286345.html |access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref> 610 Garud Flight was formed at 43 Wing Sulur on 22 Nov 2010. The flight specialises in counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations


<gallery mode="packed" heights="150" perrow="5">
In November 2010, the station became one of the field bases for the [[Garud Commando Force]], an elite [[Special forces|special force]] of the Indian Air Force.<ref name="Garud">{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/list.php?qunit=610%20Garud&init=on|title=No. 610 Garud|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/webstories/feature/garud-commandos-all-about-iafs-special-forces-unit-16996|title=All about the IAF's special forces unit, the Garud Commandos|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=6 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506233021/https://www.ndtv.com/webstories/feature/garud-commandos-all-about-iafs-special-forces-unit-16996|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2017, the airbase is engaged structural and engine repairs, overhaul, and maintenance of [[Line Replaceable Unit|LRUs]] for the trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force.<ref name="BRD"/> It has also assisted in rescue operations such as during the [[2018 Kerala floods]].<ref name="Telegraph"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Wilson|date=27 August 2018|title=How air warriors from Sulur flew to help Kerala|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/how-air-warriors-fromsulur-flew-to-help-kerala/article24795453.ece|access-date=2 May 2025|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=8 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208222126/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/how-air-warriors-fromsulur-flew-to-help-kerala/article24795453.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2023, a Type Training School (TETTRA) of the Air Force was established at the base.<ref name="Tettra">{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/24+TETTRA|title=No. 24 TETTRA|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> In 2024, the station hosted the first phase of [[Exercise Tarang Shakti]], the largest multinational air force exercise held in India.<ref>{{cite news|title=What is Tarang Shakti, the largest military exercise that India will host?|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-tarang-shakti-the-largest-military-exercise-that-india-will-host-101722435902901.html|date=31 July 2021|access-date=2 August 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=12 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812180448/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-tarang-shakti-the-largest-military-exercise-that-india-will-host-101722435902901.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The air forces of France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom took part in the exercise from 6 August to 14 August.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ray|first=Kalyan|title=Exercise Tarang Shakti: India's Largest multinational air exercise to begin on August 6|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/exercise-tarang-shakti-indias-largest-multinational-air-exercise-to-begin-on-august-6-3131281|date=21 July 2021|access-date=2 August 2024|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|archive-date=2 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802124431/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/exercise-tarang-shakti-indias-largest-multinational-air-exercise-to-begin-on-august-6-3131281|url-status=live}}</ref>
File:An32roh.JPG|Antonov An-32
 
File:IAF Mi 17 V5 at Aero India 2013.JPG|Mi-17 V5
In May 2025, an unidentified man hailing from [[Bihar]] entered the base premises.He was apprehended by the IAF and handed over to the [[Tamil Nadu Police|state police]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-15 |title=Unidentified man enters Sulur Air Force Base in Tamil Nadu, police launch probe |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/mentally-disturbed-man-enters-sulur-air-force-base-in-coimbatore-caught-by-guards-and-handed-over-to-police-2725307-2025-05-15 |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
File:IAF Tejas full size (32941198511).jpg|HAL Tejas
 
File:Dhruv-Sarang-394.jpg|HAL Dhruv of Sarang display team
== Infrastructure ==
</gallery>
Sulur Air Force Station is located in [[Sulur]] near [[Coimbatore]], and is operated by the [[Southern Air Command (India)|Southern Air Command]] of the Indian Air Force.<ref name="History"/><ref name="Telegraph"/> Spread across an area of {{cvt|1050.51|acre}},<ref name="Wing">{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/43+Wing|title=No. 43 Wing|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> It is the second largest air base of the Indian Air Force after the [[Hindon Air Force Station]], and is responsible for protecting the coasts of [[Southern India]].<ref name="Telegraph"/> The airfield has a single {{cvt|2516|m}} long runway designated as 05/23.<ref name="VOSX"/> It is equipped with a category II [[Instrument Landing System]].<ref name="Mano"/> The base also houses facilities for radio communications, and a transportable [[radar]].<ref name="Mano"/>
 
The airbase is equipped with a multi [[Weather radar|Doppler weather radar]] for weather services.<ref name="Doppler">{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2018/07/01/tejas-begins-the-sky-party-at-afs-sulur.html|title=Tejas begins the sky party at AFS Sulur|date=10 December 2010|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> It has several hangars for the storage of aircraft.<ref name="BRD"/><ref name="Doppler"/> The airport also houses a aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility and serves as the base for the No. 5 Base Repair Depot (BRD).<ref name="BRD"/> It also has facilities for the overhaul, repair, testing and calibration of equipment required for the air force.<ref name="History"/> The base hosts the No.24 Type Training School (TETTRA) of the Air Force, and No.610 unit of the elite Garud Commando Force.<ref name="Tettra"/>
 
== Operational aircraft  ==
[[File:HAL Tejas (LA-5020) of Squadron 18 Flying Bullets performing during Air Force day 2021 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[HAL Tejas]] of the [[No. 18 Squadron IAF]]]]
[[File:Sarang Helicopter demonstrating during 77th Air Force Day parade, at Air Force Station Hindon, Uttar Pradesh on October 08, 2009 (1).jpg|thumb|[[Sarang display team]]]]
While operating for the Royal Navy, the base initially hosted [[transport aircraft]] such as [[Beechcraft Model 18|Beechcraft Expeditor C-2 and At-7]], [[Avro Anson]], [[Fairey Swordfish]], [[Stinson Reliant]], [[Supermarine Walrus]], and [[Supermarine Sea Otter|Sea Otter]] that were moved from the facility in Coimbatore. Later in 1945, the base was equipped with [[Fairey Barracuda]] [[torpedo bomber]]s.<ref name="RNRA"/> Post Indian Independence, the Indian Navy operated [[Hawker Sea Hawk]], [[Bréguet 1050 Alizé|Breguet Alize]], and [[de Havilland Vampire]] aircraft from the airfield, before they were shifted to [[Dabolim Airport|Dabolim AFS]] in 1961.<ref name="History"/><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1752311|title=INS Hansa marks diamond jubilee on 5 September 2021|date=5 September 2021|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[Press Information Bureau]]|archive-date=27 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627171159/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1752311|url-status=live}}</ref> After the No.43 Wing was established in 1985,<ref name="Wing"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/index.php?uniq=Operational%20Bases&init=on|title=Wings of Indian Air Force|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> the [[No. 18 Squadron IAF]] was moved to Sulur in January 1985. It operated [[Folland Gnat]]s out of the airbase till February 1988.<ref name="Mano"/><ref name="FB">{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/18+Sqn|title=No.18 Squadron|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> The [[No. 109 Helicopter Unit, IAF|No. 109 Helicopter Unit]], which operated [[Mil Mi-8]] helicopters, was moved from [[Jammu Airport|Jammu AFS]] to Sulur on 4 June 1987 and was named as "The Knights".<ref name="HU">{{cite web|url=https://bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/109+HU|title=No.109 Helicopter Unit|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
 
The [[No. 119 Helicopter Unit, IAF|No. 119 Helicopter Unit]] operated Mil-8 helicopters from the airbase from February 1989 to May 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/119+HU|title=No.119 Helicopter Unit|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=7 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407075549/https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/119+HU|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[No. 33 Squadron IAF]], which operated [[Antonov An-32]] transport aircraft, moved to Sulur in June 1991. It was suspended in July 1992.<ref name="HG">{{cite web|url=https://bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/33+Sqn|title=No.33 Squadron|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=6 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406082207/https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/33+Sqn|url-status=live}}</ref> The base hosted a detachment of No. 11 squadron consisting of [[HS-748|Avro HS-748]] aircraft was hosted at the base from August 1992 to September 1996.<ref name="Mano"/><ref name="Wing"/> The No. 33 squadron ("Himalayan Geese") was resurrected in March 2000 with An-32 aircraft.<ref name="HG"/><ref>{{cite news|title=33 Squadron celebrates anniversary|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/33-Squadron-celebrates-anniversary/article16363862.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 April 2010|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Selfless service earns two IAF squadrons President's Standard|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/selfless-service-earns-two-iaf-squadrons-presidents-standard/article4190344.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=12 December 2012|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> In 2008, the [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of Air Staff]] indicated that the station would become the base for the indigenous developed [[HAL Tejas]] [[multirole combat aircraft]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=AF Sulur to get Light Combat Aircraft in 2010: Air Chief|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/AF-Sulur-to-get-Light-Combat-Aircraft-in-2010-Air-Chief/article15205140.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=17 April 2008|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=2 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202175437/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/AF-Sulur-to-get-Light-Combat-Aircraft-in-2010-Air-Chief/article15205140.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
The base hosted [[Unmanned Aerial Vehicles]] and [[microlights]] in the late 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2016/Chapter%20%204%20Works%20Services.pdf|title=Audits related to work services|work=[[Comptroller and Auditor General of India]]|date=2016|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=18 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118061606/https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2016/Chapter%20%204%20Works%20Services.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2016, the Mil-8 helicopters of the No. 109 Helicopter Unit were replaced by [[Mil Mi-17]] [[transport helicopter]]s.<ref name="HU"/> The [[Sarang display team]] which was established as [[No. 151 Helicopter Unit, IAF|No. 151 Helicopter Unit]] in 2005, was moved from [[Yelahanka Air Force Station]] to Sulur in 2009.<ref name="Sarang">{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/27314/sarang-team-bids-adieu-yelahanka.html|title='Sarang' team bids adieu to Yelahanka Air Force Station|date=25 September 2009|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|archive-date=10 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110090345/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/27314/sarang-team-bids-adieu-yelahanka.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sarang – from display to rescue|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sarang-from-display-to-rescue/article4910908.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=13 July 2013|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=2 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202180941/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sarang-from-display-to-rescue/article4910908.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The team operated modified [[HAL Dhruv]]s for [[List of air display teams|aerobatic display]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/sarang-helicopter-team-set-to-get-bigger-and-better/article66516205.ece|title=Sarang helicopter team set to get bigger and better|date=16 February 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004101254/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/sarang-helicopter-team-set-to-get-bigger-and-better/article66516205.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://idex.gov.in/challenges-cpt/1556|title=Smoke Generators for Sarang|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004101256/https://idex.gov.in/challenges-cpt/1556|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2018, the [[No. 45 Squadron IAF]] ("Flying Daggers") was established with a fleet of HAL Tejas aircraft.<ref name="FD">{{cite web|url=https://bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/45+Sqn|title=No.45 Squadron|work=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=21 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221043757/https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/45+Sqn|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=13 November 2019|title=More firepower to Indian Air Force! IAF to receive around 200 fighter aircraft|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/more-firepower-to-indian-air-force-iaf-to-receive-around-200-fighter-aircrafts/1763782/|newspaper=[[Financial Express (India)|Financial Express]]|access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref> On 27 May 2020, a second squadron of Tejas aircraft was added as a part of the No. 18 Squadron ("Flying Bullets").<ref name="FB"/><ref>{{cite news|title=LCA Tejas to join IAF 18 Squadron today at Tamil Nadu's Sulur airbase|work=[[Zee News]]|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/lca-tejas-to-join-iaf-18-squadron-today-at-tamil-nadus-sulur-airbase-2286345.html|date=27 May 2020|access-date=1 June 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607054221/https://zeenews.india.com/india/lca-tejas-to-join-iaf-18-squadron-today-at-tamil-nadus-sulur-airbase-2286345.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The squadron was later moved to [[Naliya Air Force Station]] in September 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/squadron-leader-mohana-singh-becomes-the-first-woman-fighter-pilot-in-lca-tejas-fighter-fleet/article68654525.ece|title=Squadron Leader Mohana Singh becomes the first woman fighter pilot in LCA Tejas fighter fleet|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 September 2024|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=3 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003125117/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/squadron-leader-mohana-singh-becomes-the-first-woman-fighter-pilot-in-lca-tejas-fighter-fleet/article68654525.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"style="font-size: 90%"
|+Aircraft squadrons<ref name="Telegraph"/>
|-
!Squadron
!Nickname
!Date activated{{efn|name=Date|First activation of the squadron at Sulur AFS}}
!Aircraft
!Image
|-
|[[No. 33 Squadron IAF|No. 33 Squadron]]<ref name="HG"/>
|''Himalayan Geese''
|1 June 1991{{efn|name=HG|The squadron was suspended on 31 July 1992 and was later resurrected on 27 March 2000.}}
|[[Antonov An-32]]
|[[File:K2717_Antonov_An.32_Indian_Air_Force_(8414615752).jpg|100px]]
|-
|[[No. 45 Squadron IAF|No. 45 Squadron]]<ref name="FD"/>
|''Flying Daggers''
|1 July 2018
|[[HAL Tejas]]
|[[File:HAL Tejas (LA-5018) of Squadron 18 Flying Bullets.jpg|100px]]
|-
|[[No. 109 Helicopter Unit, IAF|No. 109  Helicopter Unit]]<ref name="HU"/>
|''Knights''
|4 June 1987
|[[Mil Mi-17]]
|[[File:Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17-IV SDS-1.jpg|100px]]
|-
|[[No. 151 Helicopter Unit, IAF|No. 151 Helicopter Unit]]<ref name="Sarang"/>
|''Sarangs''
|2009
|[[HAL Dhruv]]
|[[File:Indian_air_force_dhruv_helicopter_j4042_arp.jpg|100px]]
|}
{{notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 53: Line 99:
[[Category:Indian Air Force bases]]
[[Category:Indian Air Force bases]]
[[Category:Airports in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Airports in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:1940 establishments in British India]]
[[Category:1942 establishments in British India]]
[[Category:Military installations established in 1940]]
[[Category:Military airbases established in 1942]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in India]]

Latest revision as of 17:41, 24 March 2026


Sulur Air Force Station

Sulur Vanoorthipadai Nilayam
Summary
Airport typeMilitary
OwnerIndian Air Force
OperatorSouthern Air Command
LocationSulur, Tamil Nadu, India
Elevation AMSL1,250 ft / 381 m
Coordinates11°00′49″N 077°09′35″E / 11.01361°N 77.15972°E / 11.01361; 77.15972
Map
Sulur Air Force Station is located in Tamil Nadu
Sulur Air Force Station
Sulur Air Force Station
Sulur Air Force Station is located in India
Sulur Air Force Station
Sulur Air Force Station
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
05/23 2,516 8,255 Asphalt
Source:[1]

Sulur Air Force Station is an air base of the Indian Air Force located at Sulur near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. It is operated by the Southern Air Command and is the second largest air base of the Indian Air Force after the Hindon Air Force Station. The base is tasked with protecting the coasts of Southern India. The base is home to the No. 5 Base Repair Depot and No. 43 Wing of the Indian Air Force. It also serves as one of the operating bases of Garud Commando Force, the special forces unit of the Air Force.

The airbase accommodates a fleet of Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters, HAL Dhruv utility helicopters of the Sarang display team, and HAL Tejas fighter aircraft. It is the only air force station in India which hosts fighters, transport planes, helicopters, microlights, and paragliders at a single venue. The base also hosts repair and overhauling depots, maintenance and storage hangars for aircraft, a flying school and a Type Training School (TETTRA) of the Air Force.

The base was established as a transit base for the Allied forces during the Second World War. It was taken over by the Royal Air Force after the war. After Indian Independence, the base was used by the Indian Navy. In 1956, it was taken over by the Indian Air Force.

History[edit | edit source]

The Sulur air base was established in the early 1940s by the Royal Navy as RNAS Sulur to serve as a transit base for the Allied forces during the Second World War.[2][3] The air field was commissioned in 1942 as a Royal Air Force base under the South East Asian Command. The base was burnt down during the Quit India Movement of 1942.[3] It was later handed over to the Royal Navy and was known as HMS Vairi in 1945.[4] The Royal Indian Air Force also started operating from the base.[5] As per Royal Navy report from 1945, the airbase had nine aircraft standing areas, four aprons, 16 aircraft pens, and storage hangars, apart from attached fuel stations, armory, and officer accommodation.[4]

Post Indian independence in 1947, the Indian Navy took over the base and established INS Hansa.[2] In 1956, the Indian Air Force took over the station. It was converted it into a repair station for aircraft and the No. 5 Base Repair Depot (5 BRD) was established at the station.[6] In 1964, the Air Force established a hangars for storage of aircraft, and accommodation for non-commissioned officers. The No.33 Equipment Depot (ED) was commissioned at the airbase in 1967, and the station undertook maintenance and overhaul of Folland Gnats and Avro HS 748 aircraft of the Air Force.[2][7] The air base provided support for the Indian military operations during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.[6] The No.43 Wing of the Indian Air Force was established at Sulur on 14 October 1985, and took over part of the assets from the No.5 BRD unit.[8] It served as a support base during the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka in 1987.[6]

In November 2010, the station became one of the field bases for the Garud Commando Force, an elite special force of the Indian Air Force.[9][10] Since 2017, the airbase is engaged structural and engine repairs, overhaul, and maintenance of LRUs for the trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force.[2] It has also assisted in rescue operations such as during the 2018 Kerala floods.[6][11] In August 2023, a Type Training School (TETTRA) of the Air Force was established at the base.[12] In 2024, the station hosted the first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti, the largest multinational air force exercise held in India.[13] The air forces of France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom took part in the exercise from 6 August to 14 August.[14]

In May 2025, an unidentified man hailing from Bihar entered the base premises.He was apprehended by the IAF and handed over to the state police.[15]

Infrastructure[edit | edit source]

Sulur Air Force Station is located in Sulur near Coimbatore, and is operated by the Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force.[3][6] Spread across an area of 1,050.51 acres (425.13 ha),[8] It is the second largest air base of the Indian Air Force after the Hindon Air Force Station, and is responsible for protecting the coasts of Southern India.[6] The airfield has a single 2,516 m (8,255 ft) long runway designated as 05/23.[1] It is equipped with a category II Instrument Landing System.[7] The base also houses facilities for radio communications, and a transportable radar.[7]

The airbase is equipped with a multi Doppler weather radar for weather services.[16] It has several hangars for the storage of aircraft.[2][16] The airport also houses a aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility and serves as the base for the No. 5 Base Repair Depot (BRD).[2] It also has facilities for the overhaul, repair, testing and calibration of equipment required for the air force.[3] The base hosts the No.24 Type Training School (TETTRA) of the Air Force, and No.610 unit of the elite Garud Commando Force.[12]

Operational aircraft[edit | edit source]

HAL Tejas of the No. 18 Squadron IAF
Sarang display team

While operating for the Royal Navy, the base initially hosted transport aircraft such as Beechcraft Expeditor C-2 and At-7, Avro Anson, Fairey Swordfish, Stinson Reliant, Supermarine Walrus, and Sea Otter that were moved from the facility in Coimbatore. Later in 1945, the base was equipped with Fairey Barracuda torpedo bombers.[4] Post Indian Independence, the Indian Navy operated Hawker Sea Hawk, Breguet Alize, and de Havilland Vampire aircraft from the airfield, before they were shifted to Dabolim AFS in 1961.[3][17] After the No.43 Wing was established in 1985,[8][18] the No. 18 Squadron IAF was moved to Sulur in January 1985. It operated Folland Gnats out of the airbase till February 1988.[7][19] The No. 109 Helicopter Unit, which operated Mil Mi-8 helicopters, was moved from Jammu AFS to Sulur on 4 June 1987 and was named as "The Knights".[20]

The No. 119 Helicopter Unit operated Mil-8 helicopters from the airbase from February 1989 to May 1990.[21] The No. 33 Squadron IAF, which operated Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, moved to Sulur in June 1991. It was suspended in July 1992.[22] The base hosted a detachment of No. 11 squadron consisting of Avro HS-748 aircraft was hosted at the base from August 1992 to September 1996.[7][8] The No. 33 squadron ("Himalayan Geese") was resurrected in March 2000 with An-32 aircraft.[22][23][24] In 2008, the Chief of Air Staff indicated that the station would become the base for the indigenous developed HAL Tejas multirole combat aircraft in 2010.[25]

The base hosted Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and microlights in the late 2000s.[26] In February 2016, the Mil-8 helicopters of the No. 109 Helicopter Unit were replaced by Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters.[20] The Sarang display team which was established as No. 151 Helicopter Unit in 2005, was moved from Yelahanka Air Force Station to Sulur in 2009.[27][28] The team operated modified HAL Dhruvs for aerobatic display.[29][30] In July 2018, the No. 45 Squadron IAF ("Flying Daggers") was established with a fleet of HAL Tejas aircraft.[31][32] On 27 May 2020, a second squadron of Tejas aircraft was added as a part of the No. 18 Squadron ("Flying Bullets").[19][33] The squadron was later moved to Naliya Air Force Station in September 2024.[34]

Aircraft squadrons[6]
Squadron Nickname Date activated[lower-alpha 1] Aircraft Image
No. 33 Squadron[22] Himalayan Geese 1 June 1991[lower-alpha 2] Antonov An-32
No. 45 Squadron[31] Flying Daggers 1 July 2018 HAL Tejas
No. 109 Helicopter Unit[20] Knights 4 June 1987 Mil Mi-17
No. 151 Helicopter Unit[27] Sarangs 2009 HAL Dhruv
  1. ↑ First activation of the squadron at Sulur AFS
  2. ↑ The squadron was suspended on 31 July 1992 and was later resurrected on 27 March 2000.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Sulur Airport". Sky Vector. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "No.5 Unit BRD". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Sulur Airbase". Global Security. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "FAA Base, Sulur". Royal Navy Research Archive. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  5. ↑ "When Peelamedu housed Royal Naval Aircraft Repair Yard". The Hindu. 23 November 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 "Sulur Air Force: Grand in size but in news for wrong reasons". The Telegraph. 9 December 2021. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Locked on to future, Sulur emerging as IAF's key base". Manorama News. 19 January 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "No. 43 Wing". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  9. ↑ "No. 610 Garud". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  10. ↑ "All about the IAF's special forces unit, the Garud Commandos". NDTV. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  11. ↑ Thomas, Wilson (27 August 2018). "How air warriors from Sulur flew to help Kerala". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "No. 24 TETTRA". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  13. ↑ "What is Tarang Shakti, the largest military exercise that India will host?". The Hindustan Times. 31 July 2021. Archived from the original on 12 August 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  14. ↑ Ray, Kalyan (21 July 2021). "Exercise Tarang Shakti: India's Largest multinational air exercise to begin on August 6". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 2 August 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  15. ↑ "Unidentified man enters Sulur Air Force Base in Tamil Nadu, police launch probe". India Today. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Tejas begins the sky party at AFS Sulur". 10 December 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  17. ↑ "INS Hansa marks diamond jubilee on 5 September 2021". Press Information Bureau (Press release). 5 September 2021. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  18. ↑ "Wings of Indian Air Force". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "No.18 Squadron". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "No.109 Helicopter Unit". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  21. ↑ "No.119 Helicopter Unit". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 "No.33 Squadron". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 6 April 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  23. ↑ "33 Squadron celebrates anniversary". The Hindu. 4 April 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  24. ↑ "Selfless service earns two IAF squadrons President's Standard". The Hindu. 12 December 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  25. ↑ "AF Sulur to get Light Combat Aircraft in 2010: Air Chief". The Hindu. 17 April 2008. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  26. ↑ "Audits related to work services" (PDF). Comptroller and Auditor General of India. 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "'Sarang' team bids adieu to Yelahanka Air Force Station". Deccan Herald. 25 September 2009. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  28. ↑ "Sarang – from display to rescue". The Hindu. 13 July 2013. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  29. ↑ "Sarang helicopter team set to get bigger and better". The Hindu. 16 February 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  30. ↑ "Smoke Generators for Sarang". Government of India. Archived from the original on 4 October 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "No.45 Squadron". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 21 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  32. ↑ "More firepower to Indian Air Force! IAF to receive around 200 fighter aircraft". Financial Express. 13 November 2019. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  33. ↑ "LCA Tejas to join IAF 18 Squadron today at Tamil Nadu's Sulur airbase". Zee News. 27 May 2020. Archived from the original on 7 June 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  34. ↑ "Squadron Leader Mohana Singh becomes the first woman fighter pilot in LCA Tejas fighter fleet". The Hindu. 18 September 2024. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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