In a powerful tribute to their courage and precision, nine Indian Air Force officers have been awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry honor, for their roles in Operation Sindoor—the decisive aerial mission launched following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. These officers executed daring strikes on terrorist camps and key military assets in Muridke and Bahawalpur, significantly weakening enemy infrastructure.

The honorees include four Group Captains Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni, and Kunal Kalra one Wing Commander (Joy Chandra), three Squadron Leaders (Sarthak Kumar, Siddhant Singh, Rizwan Malik), and a Flight Lieutenant (Aarshveer Singh Thakur). Their precision and resolve were pivotal in disengaging threats swiftly and effectively.

The Air Chief Marshal had earlier declared that IAF successfully downed at least five Pakistani fighter jets and a large ELINT/AEW&C airborne target representing one of the most significant surface-to-air kills recorded at around 300 km range.