The squadron was raised on 15 February 1957, with
de Havilland Vampires, as a Ground-Attack and Close Air Support unit. Later The Vampires were replaced by
MiG-21Bison. The MiGs which were operated from Naliya were withdrawn from squadron service in 2002. It is the first operational squadron of the indigenous fighter jet HAL Tejas. The squadron operated from
HAL Airport, Bangalore for nearly two years before it moved to its designated locations at Sulur near Coimbatore. It is also the first fighter squadron to be part of the Southern Air Command of IAF headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram. Group Captain Madhav Rangachari is the first commanding officer.
Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 s. On 1 September 1965, during the
Indo-Pakistani War, No. 45 Squadron IAF responded to a request for strikes against a counter-attack by the
Pakistan Army (
Operation Grand Slam), and twelve Vampire Mk 52 fighter-bombers were successful in slowing the Pakistani advance. However, the Vampires encountered two
PAF F-86 Sabres, in the ensuing
dogfight, the outdated Vampires were outclassed. One was shot down by ground fire and another three were shot down by Sabres. The Vampires were withdrawn from front line service after these losses.
Atlantique incident Indian Air Force No.45 Squadron was involved in the
Atlantique incident on 10 August 1999. Two MiG-21 Bison from
No.45 Squadron IAF equipped with R-60 missiles intercepted and following warnings issued and hostile action shot down a
Pakistan Navy reconnaissance plane. == Aircraft ==