Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet in February 2019, was awarded the Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. The Defence Investiture Ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday, November 22. Notably, the Vir Chakra is the third-highest Indian military honour during wartime.
Then Wing Commander, Abhinandan shot down F-16 fighter jet during aerial combat which took place on February 27 after Pakistan Air Force (PAF) violated the Indian airspace. In the aerial dogfight, Wg Cdr Varthaman’s Mig-21 Bison was also shot down. Though he ejected safely but his parachute drifted to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot was then captured by the Pakistani Army. He was later released on March 1. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Flies Joint Sortie With IAF Chief BS Dhanoa From Pathankot Airbase.
Here Is The Video Of Group Captain Abhinandan Receiving Vir Chakra:
In August 2019, the Vir Chakra to Abhinandan had been announced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were also present at the ceremony. President Kovind, conferred two Kirti Chakras, including one posthumous, one Vir Chakra and 10 Shaurya Chakras, including two posthumous, to the personnel of Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces during Defence Investiture Ceremony
The Gallantry awards were given to the personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty. The President also conferred 13 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 24 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals for distinguished service of exceptional order.
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