The 163rd FS is the wing's flying unit and has operated the F-16C since October 1991. The unit was formed as the 163rd Fighter Squadron in October 1947 with P-51Ds, and was redesignated the 163rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron and mobilized between February 1951 and October 1952, before changing designation to the 163rd FIS in September 1954 with F-80Cs. The squadron converted to the F-86A in March 1956 and the F-84F in January 1958, becoming a Tactical Fighter Squadron. It was was called to active duty again in February 1961, with depolyment to Chambley AB, France as part of 7122nd TFW.

The 163rd was demobilized in August 1962 and returned to state control, although the unit's aircraft remained in Europe. The squadron joined the 122nd TFG and was assigned RF-84Fs from October 1962 to April 1964 despite retaining the TFS designation. The unit re-equipped with the F-84F in May 1964 and the F-100D in June 1971. The squadron has reporting directly to the 122nd TFW since December 1974. Conversion to the F-4C began in April 1979, with upgrading to the F-4E commencing in mid-1986.