The first combat sortie was flown by Squadron Leader Jagath Rodrigo and Flight Lieutenant Thilina Kaluarachchi, attacking targets in the Thoppigala area with its 80mm rockets.

[2] Soon after its formation, the three attack helicopters took part in the on-going Operation Riviresa, flying 280 hours on 72 combat missions, with one airframe CH612 sustaining damage.

The squadron played a major role in Operation Jayasikuru, flying 222 combat missions between May 1997 and December 1998 in support of the Sri Lanka Army, losing six pilots and four air gunners.

Notable losses included Wing Commander Tyronne Silvapulle was killed when his airframe CH618 was hit by a missile and crashed into the Kilali lagoon while pursuing Sea Tiger boats in December 1999.

To mitigate the threat of MANPADS, the SLAF an Israel ECM missile warning system was installed in the airframes and pilots developed tactics.

The squadron lost two airframes in the Bandaranaike Airport attack and in the Raid on Anuradhapura Air Force Base, with one heavily damaged but later returned to service.

[2] The Squadron played as major role in the final phase of the Sri Lankan Civil War, providing close air support by operating in pairs from SLAF bases in Hingurakgoda, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Palaly.