No 9 Helicopter Squadron celebrates Silver Jubilee

The No 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron, which is the home of the Mi-24s of the Sri Lanka Air Force celebrates its Silver Jubilee today (24 November 2020).

The Mil Mi-24 is a Soviet built attack helicopter with multi role capabilities. It can be used as a gunship and limited troop carrier. The Mi-24 also known as the “Flying Tank” has been in operation since 1972.

The No 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron saw light on the 24th of November 1995 with the initial induction of three Mi-24V Helicopters with six Pilots and 26 Engineering Crew. Then Squadron Leader Jagath Rodrigo had the distinction of being the first Commanding Officer of the No 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron. Later on in 2001, Wing Commander Rodrigo made the supreme sacrifice with the downing of his Mi-24 by an enemy Surface-to-Air Missile. Then Squadron Leader Rodrigo and Flight Lieutenant Thilina Kaluarachchi were the first SLAF Pilots to ever fly a Mi-24 attack helicopter for an operational mission.

During the course of 25 years in service, 28 members of the Squadron (11 Pilots, 15 aircrew members and two technicians) have made the supreme sacrifice for the sake of our motherland. This is the highest price for any Flying Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force.