squadrons

A squadron is a military aviation unit comprising several aircraft and the aircrew and support personnel assigned to operate them. It is a standard organizational element in many air forces and naval aviation services, used to group aircraft by mission, type, or base. The exact size varies by country and denomination, but squadrons commonly include roughly a dozen to two dozen aircraft, plus maintenance and support staff. In most services the squadron is commanded by a senior officer, such as a lieutenant colonel or wing commander, depending on the country’s rank structure.

Organizationally, squadrons are usually part of a larger formation such as a wing or group. They are specialized by function—for example fighter squadrons, bomber squadrons, transport squadrons, or training squadrons—and operate under dedicated leadership, with its own operations, maintenance, and logistics elements. In naval aviation, squadrons operate from carriers or bases and are typically assigned to a carrier air wing or equivalent, retaining a distinct mission focus while coordinating with other squadrons for operations.

Historically the term arose with the growth of air forces in the early 20th century, borrowing from cavalry and infantry nomenclature. Across the world, the designation of a squadron is often accompanied by a numerical identifier and a type (for example, Fighter Squadron or No. 12 Squadron). The precise names and hierarchies vary by service, but the squadron remains a fundamental tactical unit used to organize, command, and sustain aerial operations.