New Delhi: Operation Sindoor, conducted in the early hours of May 7 to avenge the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, successfully targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. On te eve of our 78th Independence Day, the Central government announced gallantry awards for 36 air warriors who played crucial roles in Operation Sindoor.
Nine Indian Air Force (IAF) officers, including fighter pilots who targeted notorious terrorist groups’ headquarters in Muridke, Bahawalpur and other sites, as well as Pakistani military assets during the four-day military conflict in May, were awarded the Vir Chakra — third-highest wartime gallantry medal.
One officer will be awarded the Shaurya Chakra, for courageous action or self-sacrifice while not being directly engaged with the enemy, and 26 others have been selected for the Vayu Sena medal.
The Vir Chakra recipients include Group Captains R S Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni and Kunal Kalra, Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leaders Sarthak Kumar, Siddhant Singh, Rizwan Malik, and Flight Lieutenant A S Thakur.
The choice of awardees underlines the diversity of roles across the Army, Navy and Air Force in achieving success during Operation Sindoor.
It’s the first-ever conferment of the ‘Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal’ to Air Force officers. This prestigious accolade, along with other high military decorations, underscores the exceptional contributions of officers across the Army, Navy, and Air Force in the operation.
