As No. 6 Squadron of the Indian Air Force marks the 70th year of its foundation, this illustrated history encompasses those seven decades in focused manner. Born in the midst of World War II, No. 6 was blooded in action during the Arakan Campaign and set a world record in terms of operational sorties flown by their Hurricane Mk.IIBs in the tactical reconnaissance role. The first Commander was the legendary �Baba' Mehar Singh, awared the DSO for his incredible leadership during the Burma Campaign.

No. 6 Squadron was �partitioned' in August 1947 but �resuscitated' in January 1951 in an entirely new role. Flying resurrected B-24 Liberator heavy bombers, the �Dragons', as now the Squadron was known after its new crest, manfully carried out maritime reconnaissance for nearly two decades, supplemented by ex-Air India Super Constellations till these too were phased out and No. 6 continued in the maritime strike (and other) roles with variants of the Canberra light bomber.

In March 1987, the Dragons received their first dedicated maritime strike aircraft, the Jaguar Maritime with which they have exploited the tactical advantages of this excellent platform, No. 6 Squadron have continued to hone their skills and in doing so, achieved excellent results, declared as the �Best Fighter Squadron' of the SWAC year after year and, in 2009, receiving the coveted �Best Fighter Squadron of the IAF' citation. The maritime Jaguar's capabilities are being further enhanced which will keep the Dragon's berating fire against all adversaries into next decades.