Indian Air ForceGroup Captain (Then Wing Commander)No: 27981

Abhinandan Varthaman

No. 51 Squadron ('Swordarms'), IAF

Vir Chakra

Martyrdom: 27 February 2019

Native Land: Thirupanamoor, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Operation / Campaign: Operation Bandar (Post-Balakot Aerial Dogfight 2019)

Official Gallantry Citation

“Conferred Vir Chakra for shooting down a technologically superior PAF F-16 fighter jet in close aerial combat with a MiG-21 Bison.”

Saga of Valor & Supreme Sacrifice

On 27 February 2019, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman scrambled in his MiG-21 Bison to intercept Pakistani fighter jets violating Indian airspace. In an intense dogfight, he locked onto and shot down an enemy F-16 with an R-73 missile. Ejecting over Pakistan-administered Kashmir, he destroyed sensitive military documents and maintained stoic military dignity during interrogation before his unconditional release.

Sacred Flame of Reverence (अमर दीप)

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“They gave their life that we may live in freedom. Bow down with deep gratitude and illuminate an immortal diya.”

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