As many as nine Indian Air Force officers, including fighter pilots who carried out daring missions to destroy terrorist camps in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, have been awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry honour. These officers were lauded for their unmatched bravery, razor-sharp precision, and remarkable strategic skills in the heat of battle. The Indian Air Force officers who were honoured include Gp Capt Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Gp Capt Manish Arora, Gp Capt Animesh Patni, Gp Capt Kunal Kalra, Wg Cdr Joy Chandra, Sqn Ldr Sarthak Kumar, Sqn Ldr Siddhant Singh, Sqn Ldr Rizwan Malik and Flt Lt Aarshveer Singh Thakur.
