9 IAF pilots get Vir Chakra for Op Sindoor valour

Nine IAF pilots have been awarded the Vir Chakra for their exceptional bravery and outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor.

Armed forces personnel who carried out attacks against Pakistan and those who planned and executed the operation have been awarded by President Droupadi Murmu.

Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards, 40 distinguished service awards and 290 Mention-in-Despatches to honour the valour and dedication of armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day.

Among the gallantry awards approved are four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, two Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals, 26 Vayu Sena Medals, seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, nine Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 24 Yudh Seva Medals.

The list includes officers and soldiers who operated the S-400 and other air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, successfully thwarting planned attacks by Pakistan on Indian soil. It also has IAF fighter pilots who launched missiles on terror camps in Pakistan and its airbases.

Of the 15 Vir Chakras — the third highest wartime gallantry medal of India — nine have been awarded to IAF pilots. Among them are fighter pilots who led targeted strikes on terror headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur as well as on Pakistan military assets during Operation Sindoor. The IAF had also brought down at least six Pakistani aircraft in the action.

IAF officers have also been awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for their outstanding role in Operation Sindoor. Among the recipients are Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Narnadeshwar Tiwari, DG, Air Operations, Air Marshal Awadhesh Bharti and Western Air Commander Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra.

Former Western Naval Commander Vice Admiral SJ Singh (retd) has also been honoured with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for Operation Sindoor.

Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti has been awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal while DG, Naval Operations, Vice Admiral AN Pramod has been awarded the Yudh Seva Medal.

Notable awardees also include Capt Lalrinawma Sailo (4 Para, Special Forces), Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari (Army Service Corps, 1 Sikkim Scouts) and Gp Capt Ranjeet Singh Sidhu.

The awards recognise acts of exceptional courage, gallantry in operations and distinguished service across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces. President Murmu has also approved Tatrakshak Medals for five Indian Coast Guard personnel.

These honours celebrate conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty and meritorious service, reinforcing India’s commitment to recognising the bravery and selfless service of those who protect its sovereignty and citizens.

Additionally, 290 personnel were mentioned in dispatches, including 115 from the Army, five from the Navy, 167 from the IAF and three from the Border Roads Development Board.