Army dog Tyson honoured with Mention-in-Despatches for bravery in Jammu and Kashmir operation
Tyson, the youngest member of the Indian Army’s Dog squad attached to 2 Para Special Forces, has been honoured during the Independence Day 2026 celebrations for showing “bravery and extraordinary courage” during a counter-insurgency operation on February 22, 2026, in Kishtwar.
The name of Tyson, a German Shepherd of the Remount Veterinary Corps, appeared among 89 Mention-in-Despatches (MiD) approved by President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations.
Tyson was part of the Indian Army’s crack team, entrusted with the responsibility to neutralise the terrorists hiding inside a mud house hideout in the Passerkut area of Chhatroo, Kishtwar.
Displaying raw courage, the Army’s sniffer dog, equipped with a K9 surveillance camera system, led from the front even after suffering a bullet injury in his leg. His presence close to the mud house hideout helped the crack team locate the presence of terrorists during the fierce gunfight.
Tyson’s remarkable bravery stood out during the anti-terrorist operation and resulted in the elimination of three terrorists belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist outfit. Tyson was later retrieved and safely evacuated from the encounter site and airlifted for specialised medical care.
Tyson is the only animal hero among the 89 personnel chosen for MiD, which is an official military commendation recognising bravery and meritorious service in a combat zone. “Tyson displayed extraordinary courage by taking the first bullet while leading the entry into the terrorists’ hideout.
Undeterred by his injuries, he pressed forward and launched a fierce assault, compelling the terrorists to open fire and thereby confirming their presence.
His fearless action enabled troops of White Knight Corps, J&K police and CRPF to precisely engage and neutralise three Pakistan-sponsored terrorists,” Army had said in a post on X.
Tyson is part of the elite squad of Army assault dogs, which are trained like soldiers for high-risk operations.
They are used in situations where a human soldier may be exposed to immediate danger, locating hidden terrorists, detecting threats and helping troops establish the enemy’s position.
