No. 1 Squadron BAF
| No. 1 Squadron BAF | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1971 – present |
| Country |  Bangladesh |
| Allegiance | Bangladesh |
| Branch |  Bangladesh Air Force |
| Type | Helicopter squadron |
| Base | BAF Base Zahurul Haque |
| Nickname | The Pioneers |
| Engagements | Bangladesh Liberation War |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Helicopter | Mil Mi-17, Mil Mi-171, Bell 212, AW139 |
No. 1 Squadron BAF is a helicopter squadron of the Bangladesh Air Force, based at BAF Base Zahurul Haque.
History
The squadron is the country's first squadron which was transformed from the Kilo Flight.[1] Defected Bengali officers and personnel of Pakistan Air Force formed it with the help of India. During the war, the formation operated DHC-3 Otter and Alouette III. They were used against Pakistani forces during the war.[2][3][4]
After the independence of Bangladesh, the squadron continued to serve. It later received Mil Mi-8 and Bell 212. As of 2026, it uses Mi-171, Mi-17, Bell 212. Later AW139 was procured and assigned to the squadron.[5][6]
Apart from operating in the remote locations, the squadron provides tactical and logistical support, SAR, reconnaissance, and critical disaster relief services.[7] It has received national standard by the President of Bangladesh.[8]
References
- ↑ "Freedom of the Skies". keymilitary.com. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "Operation Kilo Flight: A story of valour | The Daily Star". www.thedailystar.net. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "Airborne Strike on Kilo Flight". The Times of Dhaka. 2025-12-13. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "Operation Kilo Flight: Night Attack By Otter Aircraft – A First-Hand Account". MP-IDSA. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "BAF ORBAT". scramble.nl. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "Bangladesh Air Force gets Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft, AW 139 rescue helicopters". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "BAF starts reforestation program in coastal areas, Chittagong Hill Tracts". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "National Standard awarded to BAF Squadrons". ispr.gov.bd. Retrieved 2026-05-04.