War Hero Abhinandan Varthaman Accorded with Vir Chakra

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Vir Chakra to Indian Air Force ace pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman during an investiture ceremony on Monday in New Delhi.

On February 27, 2019, the day after the Balakot airstrike, he was awarded the Vir Chakra for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter plane amid aerial battle. He travelled across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the process, and his MiG-21 was shot down, forcing him to land over enemy-controlled territory.

The Pakistan Army then took him into prison. Due to intense outrage from India and foreign intervention, the Pakistan Army was obliged to release him. "Abhinandan on a MiG 21 Bison Squadron's posted strength as of May 19, 2018."

A huge number of Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft, comprising of sophisticated fourth-generation F-16 and JF-17 aircraft, was observed headed toward the LoC on February 27, 2019, about 9 AM Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Varthaman Abhinandan was dispatched to intercept this shipment about 10 a.m., according to the citation.

"Using his Airborne Intercept (Al) radar, Wing Commander Varthaman Abhinandan monitored the low elevation area and managed to pick up an enemy fighter that was approaching low to ambush the Indian fighter-interceptor aircraft, demonstrating great air combat intelligence and awareness of the opponent's tactics."

The other configuration pilots were informed of this unexpected threat by Wing Commander Varthaman Abhinandan. He then solidified the retaliation by forming an attacking formation with his wingmen against the hostile Pakistani aircraft that were dumping munitions on Indian Army positions. The adversary aircraft were thrown into tactical confusion as a result of this bold and aggressive action. 

"In the subsequent aerial action, Wing Commander Varthaman Abhinandan followed a withdrawing enemy fighter bomber aircraft and shot down an F-16 aircraft with his onboard missile." During the fight, one of the enemy fighters launched numerous sophisticated BVR missiles, one of which struck his plane, causing him to escape in enemy territory. Despite being seized by the enemy, he remained steadfast in dealing with the enemy in a stern, brave, and dignified manner until his repatriation on March 1, 2019," the statement stated. 

"His acts boosted the military's morale in general, and the IAF's in particular. Wing Commander Varthaman Abhinandan "exhibited remarkable courage, valour in the face of the adversary while sacrificing personal safety, and an outstanding sense of responsibility," according to the statement.

On February 26, India launched an aircraft raid on Pakistan's terrorist base controlled by the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. 

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