South India gets first squadron of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets

South India got its first squadron of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets on January 20. Water salute was also given to the SU-30MKI fighter aircraft at Thanjavur air base in Tamil Nadu. The 222 Squadron that will house the Sukhoi-30 MKIs is also known as the 'Tigersharks'. IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said that the decision to deploy the Su-30 MKI at Thanjavur was taken due to its strategic location. The Su-30 MKI inducted here is equipped with special weapon (BrahMos supersonic cruise missile), the IAF Chief further said. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat, was also present at the press conference.