Halwara (Punjab), Nov 19 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee will Wednesday award Presidential Standards to two squadrons of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a ceremony at this frontline air force station near Ludhiana in Punjab.

The Presidential Standards will be awarded to the 220 Squadron and 32 Squadron of the IAF.

Commanding Officer of 220 Squadron, Gp. Capt. Sharad Aneja, and Commanding Officer of 32 Squadron, Gp. Capt. G.V.N.K. Varma, will receive the Standards from the president.

Christened "Desert Tigers", the 220 Squadron is the first squadron of the sophisticated fighter jets SU-30 MKI of the Western Air Command.

The Jodhpur-based 32 Squadron of the IAF, called "Thunderbirds", operates the MIG-21 Bison fighter aircraft.

The Presidential's Standard is an honour and a symbol of excellence and has been earned by the squadrons for their dedication and worthy contributions both during peace and war, Air Marshal S.S. Soman, Western Air Command chief, told media persons.