In a display of exceptional valor and strategic prowess, nine Indian Air Force (IAF) officers have been awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal, for their pivotal roles in Operation Sindoor. These officers, primarily fighter pilots, executed precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Muridke and Bahawalpur, as well as key Pakistani military assets. The operation, launched in early May, was a response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
The授勋名单包括Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Group Captain Manish Arora, Group Captain Animesh Patni, Group Captain Kunal Kalra, Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar, Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh, Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik, and Flight Lieutenant Aarsheer Singh Thakur.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh revealed that the IAF had shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one large aircraft during Operation Sindoor. He described this achievement as the "largest-ever recorded surface-to-air kill" by India. He also confirmed that several Pakistani airbases, including Jacobabad, suffered extensive damage in the strikes.
Operation Sindoor saw the IAF carry out precision strikes deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), destroying terror infrastructure and crippling key military assets. The operation was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
In addition to the Vir Chakras, the government announced gallantry awards for 36 air warriors who played crucial roles in Operation Sindoor. Sixteen Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have also been awarded gallantry medals for displaying "conspicuous bravery" and "unmatched valour" during Operation Sindoor.
The awards were announced on the eve of India's 79th Independence Day. The recognition comes as India prepares to celebrate Independence Day, marking a moment to honor the dedication and bravery of its armed forces.
The Vir Chakra has also been awarded to IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman (in 2019) for his bravery in downing a Pakistani fighter jet during an aerial combat in February of that year.
