The squadron crest has an arrow pointing upwards, circled by 11 stars, and symbolises the pursuit of professional excellence.

[3] The squadron was first established on 1 January 1949 at RPAF Station Mauripur as a light bomber unit.

One F-86 was shot down in Indian territory during a fighter sweep mission, flown by Flying Officer Shaukat.

[citation needed] When sanctions and an arms embargo was placed on Pakistan by the U.S. after the 1965 war, the Arrows were re-equipped with the Shenyang F-6 in 1966 and their role changed to Air Superiority.

[citation needed] The squadron was termed as "exceptional" after an inspection by the Inspectorate team on 28 October 1991.

In early 1992 an imminent threat to Pakistani nuclear facilities led to the squadron flying missions under a national contingency plan named Thunderbolt from 19 February 1992.