Spirit of `The Hinds`!

Walk into the hangar of No.09 Attack Helicopter Squadron - a.k.a `The Hinds` - and you are greeted by flying overalls, tech overalls and `pin heads`. The strength of the merger of green and shades of blue, keeps the gunships flying and the skies safe. The author, delves into the success of the Squadron and writes, `what mattered were - the `who` in the team, the `how` of the missions, `what` the men thought and of course, the unusual spirit that bonded who, how and what... together.`

The Hinds
No.09 Attack Helicopter Squadron (a.k.a The Hinds) became a reality on 24 November, 1995 with the initiation of Mil Mi-24 `Hind` gunships into Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). SLAF Base, Hingurakgoda is the proud Mother base of the squadron. The initial `No.09` consisted of three (03) Attack Helicopters and thirty one (31) personnel (Pilots 05, Engineering Crew 26). At present the squadron is made up of fourteen (14) Attack Helicopters and three hundred and six (306) personnel (Pilots 21, Engineering Crew 249 and Air Gunners 36).

The squadron was formed to face the requirement for a dedicated air borne attack formation to support the National Military Strategy focusing on the theatre of conflict in the North of Sri Lanka. This challenge was countered when SLAF decided to procure a battle tested, dedicated attack helicopter platform which assured devastating fire power delivery while flying low. The Russian built Mi-24 also known as the `Devil`s Chariot,` `Flying Tank` and the `Flying Infantry Combat Vehicle` was thus inducted into SLAF. The gunship was heavily armoured and had the capacity to absorb a great deal of battle damage, yet remain operational.

The squadron`s main role focus on Counter Surface Force Operations and limited Counter Air Operations through the following functions: Close Air Support (CAS)/ Battlefield Air Interdiction (BAI), Air Interdiction (AI), Maritime Air Operations, Armed Escort Missions and Air Defence Operations. The squadron`s adaptability to face any demanding situation other than its main functions was illustrated by the special missions they carried out. Some of the special missions carried out by No.09 included - Search and Rescue Missions, Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) Rescue Missions, Escort Missions for VVIP/VIP, Troop and cargo transport, Distributing leaflets over enemy area and Security of air corridors for transport aircraft. In recognition of its dedicated service to the Nation, the Squadron was bestowed with Presidential Colours in March, 2009