| No. 23 Squadron | |
|---|---|
|   | |
| Active | 1957 - 2025 | 
| Country |  Republic of India | 
| Branch |  Indian Air Force | 
| Role | Fighter | 
| Garrison/HQ | AFS NAL | 
| Nickname | "Panthers" | 
| Mottos | Amritham Abhayam Immortal and Fearless | 
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | MiG-21 Bison | 
No. 23 Squadron (Panthers) was a fighter squadron in the Indian Air Force and it was equipped with MiG-21Bison, based at AFS NAL. The Squadron was number-plated on 26 September 2025, following the decommissioning of MIG-21 Bison from active service. [1] [2]
The squadron was raised in the year 1956 and it became the first squadron in Indian Air Force to be commissioned with Folland Gnat. [3]
The squadron was relocated to AFS NAL in June 2024 and will be in use with its sister squadron No. 3 Squadron. The move was done to streamline the maintenance and operability of the MiG-21. Both the squadrons will transition to the newly ordered Tejas Mk1A. [2]
The Indian Air Force officially decommissioned the MiG-21 Bison from active service in 2025. An official farewell ceremony was held at Chandigarh Air Force Station on 26 September 2025. The last of the aircraft are from this squadron. [4]
| Aircraft | From | To | Air Base | 
|---|---|---|---|
| de Havilland Vampire | November 1956 | January 1960 | |
| Folland Gnat | February 1960 | January 1978 | |
| MiG-21 bis | February 1978 | July 2005 | |
| MiG-21 Bison | July 2005 | June 2024 | AFS Suratgarh | 
| June 2024 | 26 September 2025 | AFS NAL |