It is responsible for heavy lift operations of the IAF and is based out of the Hindan Air Force Station.

It has been deployed in vast number of varied scenarios that include transportation of oxygen tanks to India during the medical oxygen shortage in India caused by Covid.

[4] The Sky Lords carried out rapid troop deployment by India in Ladakh during the 2020-21 border India-China standoff.

[4] The 81st Squadron has also carried out evacuation of Indians and foreign nationals from volatile regions during uncertain situations.

[9] It has also had foreign deployments to Tajikistan in August 2013, and to Rwanda to support Indian peacekeepers.