New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was part of an aerial dogfight with Pakistan Air Force post Balakot air strike will be awarded with Vir Chakra on Independence Day, Defence Ministry said on Wednesday. Vir Chakra is the country's third-highest war time gallantry medal.
Abhinandan , who was involved in a dogfight with the Pakistan Air force post the balakoit strikes, was later caught by Pakistan after his Mig-21 crashed on their side. Wing Commander Varthaman was posted with the Mig-21 squadron in Srinagar before the incident. After going through the medial process after his return, he was posted back to a fighter unit.
From the Army, Sapper Prakash Jadhav will be posthumously awarded Kirti Chakra, the second highest peace time gallantry award. The Army also got eight Shaurya Chakra and 98 Sena Medal (Gallantry) and four Mention-in-Dispatches, according to the list released by the Army.In addition, IAF also got five Yudh Seva Medals and seven Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), which also includes Mirage fighter pilots who took part in the Balakot air strike, an official document said.
The IAF will get a total of 13 medals. Tehse include 12 medals for fighter pilots while one medal is being awarded is a lady officer Sqn Ldr Minty Agarwal, flight controller on ground who was awarded Yudh Seva Medal for her actions during aerial engagement on February 27 when Pakistan fighter jets attempted to bomb Indian military installations, a day after Balakot.
