22nd Missile Vessel Squadron

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The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron, commonly referred to as the Killer Squadron, is a formation of the Indian Navy, composed primarily of Veer-class corvettes. [1] This squadron, based in Mumbai, was officially established in October 1991 with a complement of ten Veer-class and three Prabal-class missile boats. However, the roots of the Killer Squadron trace back to 1969, when the Indian Navy inducted Osa-class missile boats from the Soviet Union. These vessels were transported to India on heavy lift merchant ships and were commissioned in early 1971 at Kolkata. The squadron quickly demonstrated its prowess in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, playing a decisive role in the conflict.

Contents

History

The Killer Squadron earned its name through its heroic actions during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. On the night of December 4–5, 1971, the squadron launched a surprise offensive, codenamed Operation Trident, against the Pakistan Navy. The Indian Navy ships INS Nirghat, INS Nipat, and INS Veer fired their Styx missiles, sinking the Pakistan Navy destroyer PNS Khyber and the minesweeper PNS Muhafiz. This operation dealt a significant blow to the Pakistan Navy, with no casualties sustained by the Indian forces.

Following this, on the night of December 8–9, 1971, the squadron executed another successful operation, Operation Python. The INS Vinash, accompanied by two frigates, launched four Styx missiles, sinking the Pakistan Navy's fleet tanker PNS Dacca and causing significant damage to the Keamari Oil Storage Facility in Karachi. The Indian forces did not suffer any casualties during this operation.

The success of these operations not only established the Killer Squadron's reputation but also led to December 4 being celebrated as Navy Day in India, commemorating the squadron's decisive role in the 1971 war.

Legacy and honours

The year 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1971 victory, celebrated nationwide as Swarnim Vijay Varsh. It also marked five decades since the inception of the Killer Squadron. Over the years, the squadron has maintained its reputation as the "tip of the Sword Arm" of the Indian Navy, participating in key operations such as Operation Vijay, Operation Parakram, and most recently, during heightened security following the Pulwama attack, where it was deployed within striking distance of the Pakistan coast.

The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron has earned numerous battle honors, including one Maha Vir Chakra, seven Vir Chakras, and eight Nausena Medals (Gallantry).

The squadron's distinguished service was recognized when it was awarded the President's Standard, [2] a tribute to the men who have rendered invaluable service to the nation as part of the Killer Squadron.

Formation

The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron's vessels are named in honor of the legendary 25th Killer Missile Boat Squadron, known for its daring actions during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. This includes their pivotal roles in Operation Trident and Operation Python, where they were instrumental in sinking multiple Pakistani naval vessels.

The last two ships of the Veer-class in this squadron were upgraded to Tarantul V models. These vessels were outfitted with advanced weaponry, including 16 SS-N-25 'Switchblade' (URAN E) missiles, an OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun, and the MR 352 Positiv-E (NATO: Cross Dome) radar system.

On April 28, 2016, INS Veer and INS Nipat, two of the oldest Veer-class corvettes, were decommissioned, marking the end of an era for the Indian Navy.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missile boat</span> Small warship armed with anti-ship missiles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Trident (1971)</span> Offensive launched by Indian navy against Pakistan

Operation Trident was an offensive operation launched by the Indian Navy on Pakistan's port city of Karachi during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Operation Trident saw the first use of anti-ship missiles in combat in the region. The operation was conducted on the night of 4–5 December and inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani vessels and facilities. While India suffered no losses, Pakistan lost a minesweeper, a destroyer, a cargo vessel carrying ammunition, and fuel storage tanks in Karachi. Another destroyer was also badly damaged and eventually scrapped. India celebrates its Navy Day annually on 4 December to mark this operation. Trident was followed up by Operation Python three days later.

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<i>Veer</i>-class corvette Class of Indian warships

The Veer-class corvettes of the Indian Navy are a customised Indian variant of the Soviet Tarantul class. They form the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron.

The Vidyut-class missile boats of the Indian Navy were an Indian variant of the Soviet Osa I class.

INS Veer (K82) (Brave) was a Vidyut-class missile boat of the Indian Navy.

INS Vinash (K85) (Destruction) was a Vidyut-class missile boat of the 25th Killer Missile Boat Squadron of the Indian Navy.

INS Nipat (K86) was a Vidyut-class missile boat of the Indian Navy. It was part of the 25th "Killer" Missile squadron.

'INS Nirghat (K89) was a Vidyut-class missile boat of the Indian Navy.

The Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971 refers to the maritime military engagements between the Indian Navy and the Pakistan Navy during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The series of naval operations began with the Indian Navy's exertion of pressure on Pakistan from the Indian Ocean, while the Indian Army and Indian Air Force moved in to choke Pakistani forces operating in East Pakistan on land. Indian naval operations comprised naval interdiction, air defence, ground support, and logistics missions.

Arnala class was an Indian designation for the Petya III-class vessels of the Indian Navy.

PNS Muhafiz was an Adjutant-class minesweeper of the Pakistan Navy. It was built by the United States for transfer to Pakistan. PNS Muhafiz was sunk by a missile from INS Veer of the Indian Navy during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

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Lt. Com. Bahadur Nariman KavinaVrC was a prominent Indian naval officer, who was commanding officer of the INS Nipat. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Kavina was the chief architect of attack on the Port of Karachi and led the successful attack on Pakistani Navy headquarters.

Commodore Babru Bhan Yadav, MVC, also known as B.B. Yadav, was a former Indian Navy Officer. He led the 25th Missile Boat Squadron during Operation Trident in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Fleet (India)</span> Naval fleet of the Indian Navy

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Commodore Kasargod Patnashetti Gopal Rao MVC, VSM was an officer in the Indian Navy notable for his participation in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his outstanding contributions during Operation Trident.

References

  1. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1778226#:~:text=The%2022nd%20Missile%20Vessel%20Squadron%20was%20formally%20established%20at%20Mumbai,three%20Prabal%20Class%20missile%20boats.
  2. "Indian Navy's 'Killers' squadron, that sunk Pak warships, to get President's Standard" . Retrieved 3 September 2024.