Tasked with preventing Soviet Special Forces from disrupting flying operations, personnel were recruited from across East Anglia and formed an integral part of the station's war-fighting capability for the next 15 years.

Throughout this period, the squadron participated in many exercises and held annual camps in the United Kingdom, Germany and Gibraltar, winning the Strickland Trophy competition in 1991.

As a result, the squadron resumed its original title and took on a new role in October 1998 with a mix of regulars and auxiliaries operating the highly sophisticated Rapier Field Standard C missile system, being declared operational in its new role in April 2001.

Deploying to Canada in 2005 and then Cyprus in 2006, the squadron won the Inspector's Cup for Excellence in 2007 and Kemp Dirk for recruiting during 2008.

The squadron was presented with its Standard to commemorate 25 years service by Queen Elizabeth II at a unique ceremony held at Royal Air Force Marham on 18 July 2010.