The Government on Thursday announced gallantry awards for 36 air warriors who played crucial roles in Operation Sindoor. Nine IAF officers, including fighter pilots who targeted terrorist groups’ headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur and Pakistan military assets in Operation Sindoor were awarded the Vir Chakra — the third-highest wartime gallantry medal.
One was awarded the Shaurya Chakra. The Shaurya Chakra is awarded for courageous action or self-sacrifice while not directly engaged with the enemy. It ranks after the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra. 26 others were awarded with the Vayu Sena medal.
Among the recipients of the Vir Chakra are Group Captains RS Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni and Kunal Kalra. Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leaders Sarthak Kumar, Siddhant Singh, Rizwan Malik and Flight Lieutenant AS Thakur were also honoured, reflecting the diversity of roles involved in achieving operational success.
Four army personnel were also awarded Vir Chakra. They include Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lt Colonel Sushil Bisht, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar and Rifleman Sunil Kumar. Sub Inspector Mohd Imteyaz and Constable Deepak Chingakam were also awarded Vir Chakra.
Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7, was in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Indian forces targeted nine terrorist facilities deep within Pakistani territory, resulting in over 100 terrorist casualties. This retaliatory action demonstrated India’s military resolve and strategic capability.
The announcement also marks the first-ever conferment of the ‘Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal’ to Air Force officers. This prestigious accolade, along with other high military decorations, underscores the exceptional contributions of officers across the Army, Navy and Air Force in the operation.
The operation saw a significant military exchange, with Pakistan launching drone strikes in retaliation. However, Indian air defence systems effectively countered these threats, leading to further strikes on 11 key military and radar sites in Pakistan by Indian forces on May 10. This escalation eventually led Pakistan to seek a ceasefire agreement.