The newly reinstated 222-squadron-Tigersharks

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has inducted its first squadron of Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft carrying the BrahMos missiles at its Thanjavur based in Tamil Nadu.

Key highlights:

• The newly reinstated 222-squadron, also known as the Tigersharks, would serve as a lethal weapons platform capable of carrying both aerial and maritime roles in the Indian Ocean Region.

• Thanjavur is strategically located in the southern peninsula. From there, the Tigersharks can dominate the seas and provide very close and integrated support to the Indian Navy. It can also provide support to the land forces.

• The Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft integrated with the supersonic cruise missiles BrahMos is the strongest maritime combination that India has, in terms of weapon capability.