No 05 Squadron celebrates 32nd anniversary
The No 5 Fighter Squadron, known as the “Black Drongos,” celebrates its 32nd Anniversary today (Feb 01).
It was born with the arrival of four Chinese F 7 BS fighters, one FT 7 B trainer, and two FT 5 trainers, on 1st February, 1991. The Squadron’s initial operations commenced from the SLAF Base, in Katunayake, but were soon shifted to SLAF China Bay, in 1994, as a measure of reducing the response time and to act promptly for operational requirements, during the war time. However, due to security concerns, it was later shifted back to its home base, at Katunayake ,in 1996.
As a measure of enhancing the No 5 Fighter Squadron’s Air Interdiction and specialized low-level strike capability six Russian MiG-27 and one MiG-23UB trainer were inducted to the Squadron in 2000.
2007 was a remarkable year for the SLAF and the No 5 Fighter Squadron, in terms of fleet enhancements. The modern F-7 GS, which is the advanced version of the F-7 BS, in relation to avionics, including an AI Radar, sophisticated weapons delivery system, with air-to-air missile strike capability, and a user-friendly glass cockpit, was inducted.
No 5 Fighter Squadron contributed its effort promptly and effectively, whenever it was called upon, with distinction and honour, performing a multitude of Counter Air and Counter Surface Force Operations and conducting an excess of 600 flying sorties during the humanitarian operations. The results of these efforts were clearly manifested in the nation’s ultimate victory over terrorism.
No 5 Fighter Squadron, which was also awarded the President’s Colours on 05th March 202, for its valiant contribution, continues to render its service to the nation as the leading Air Defence platform, guarding the skies of our motherland, and will continue to prosper in the future, with the latest updates and a highly trained crew.