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Source of the drawing included in the image above
3rd Air Squadron Insignia
Hello everyone! Today I would like to suggest the Indonesian 3rd Air Squadron’s Insignia. The decal is a dragon because it reflects the squadron’s official nickname, “The Dragons” or “The Dragons’ Nest”. The decal appears on the squadron’s fleet of F-16, including on the airframe itself and on other items such as the intake cover.
With Indonesian Air Force decals’ implementation seemingly on the horizon, I think this would be a good option. Rather than a basic emblem, its a bit more interesting and unique, and more importantly, it is actively being used by the squadron itself.
A. Background
Details
The 3rd Air Squadron is one of the oldest fighter squadron of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). Originally established in 1951, it was formed at the Cililitan AFB (Modern-day Halim Perdanakusuma). The squadron was then transfered to Malang, where the squadron spent its first decades as the backbone of major operations. During this time, the squadron primarily relies on prop-driven platforms such as the P-51D Mustang and the OV-10F Bronco to carry out counter-insurgency missions. With the advent of modern jet warfare, the squadron is primed for a modern transformation.
The modern identity of the squadron began in the 80s with the program “Peace Bima Sena”. During that time the Air Force formally authorized the acquisition of F-16 A/B Fighting Falcon from the US. In the late 80s, the first F-16s landed in Indonesian soil at Iswahyudi AFB. This technological leap prompted a major restructuring. In 1989 the F-16s was delegated to the 3rd Air Squadron, and they (alongside the squadron itself) was moved to Iswahyudi AFB, taking the former hangar facilities of the 11th Air Squadron (which was also moved to another location).
The squadron’s capability was further upgraded in 2013 with the grant of a further upgraded F-16 C/D models. While these units were primarily handed over to 16th Air Squadron, 8 units were transferred over to 3rd Air Squadron. Some of the older A/B models were also modernized into the AM/BM standard through the Falcon STAR program. These AM/BM are where the decals are spotted on.
B. Images
C. Sources
Details
- mcaskil on X: "Dragon" / X
- tomori on X: "TS-1609" / X
- tomori on X: "Indonesian Air Force TS-1609 General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcon" / X
- https://www.airhistory.net/photo/583223/TS-1603
- Desta Nirbito on Instagram: "Cepat, lincah, dan selalu siap ketika tugas memanggil. Langit akan menjadi ruangnya. @skadronudara_3 @skadronudara16 #f16 #fightingfalcon #aviation #sonyalpha_id #tniau"
- 3rd Air Squadron (Indonesia) - Wikipedia
- Skadron Udara 3 - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia, ensiklopedia bebas
- 3rd Skadron Udara (TNIAU) - F-16.net
Thank you for reading! Any suggestions or corrections would be highly appreciated!Additionally, you can check out more Indonesian suggestions below!