The ‘Killers’ squadron of the Indian Navy, which sank Pakistani warships, was awarded the President’s Standard
A Navy official stated on Sunday that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Missile Vessel Squadron, commonly known as the "Killers," which has maintained the capability of delivering a credible offensive punch from the sea for the past five decades.
The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron of the Indian Navy, which bombed Karachi Port and sank Pakistan Navy warships during the 1971 war, will receive the President’s Standard, a rare honor for meritorious service, from President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday, according to the Navy.
A Navy official stated on Sunday that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Missile Vessel Squadron, commonly known as the “Killers,” which has maintained the capability of delivering a credible offensive punch from the sea for the past five decades.
The Missile Vessel Squadron, based in Mumbai, has engaged in Operation Vijay, Operation Parakram, and was most recently positioned within striking distance off the Pakistan coast amid the heightened security scenario following the Pulwama attack.
“The ships in this squadron are capable of rapid movement and are missile-capable. Their presence also serves as a deterrence, according to a squadron official.
On May 27, 1951, the then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, presented the Indian Navy with the President’s Colours. According to the Navy, the President’s Standard is the same honour as the President’s Colours, although it is given to a smaller military structure or unit.
In October 1991, the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron was formally established in Mumbai with ten Veer Class and three Prabal Class missile boats.
However, the origins of the ‘Killers’ may be traced back to 1969, when the Indian Navy was bolstered by the induction of OSA I Class missile boats from the former Soviet Union.
These missile boats arrived in India on large lift commercial ships in early 1971 and were commissioned at Kolkata. They were sent on a critical assignment in the first year of the Indo-Pak conflict in 1971, and they were instrumental in the war’s end, he claimed.
The youngest fighters of a nascent Indian Navy drew first blood when they launched a deadly onslaught against the Pakistan Navy on the intervening night of December 4-5, 1971.
According to the official, Indian Navy ships Nirghat, Nipat, and Veer launched their Styx missiles and sank Pakistan Navy cruisers Khyber and Muhafiz.
This operation, codenamed Op Trident, is widely regarded as one of the most successful in recent naval history, with no Indian forces suffering losses, he added.
On the intervening night of December 8-9, the Indian Navy launched another daring strike, this time sinking the Pakistani naval fleet tanker Dacca and severely damaging the Keamari oil storage facility in Karachi with four Styx missiles launched by INS Vinash and two frigates.
“The Indian army has not reported any damage.” The ships and soldiers of the squadron gained the title of ‘Killers’ as a result of their valour, and the Indian Navy commemorates December 4 as Navy Day,” according to the official.
According to the Navy, the squadron personnel have been given battle honours, including one Maha Vir Chakra, seven Vir Chakras, and eight Nausena Medals (Gallantry), which are testament to the ‘Killers’ gallant spirit.
The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of India’s triumph in the 1971 war, which is being commemorated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ across the country.
