Vir Chakra Awarded to IAF Pilots Who Struck Terror Bases in Muridke and Bahawalpur, Downed Pakistani Jets
President Droupadi Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards, 40 distinguished service awards, and 290 Mentions-in-Despatches for personnel of the armed forces and central armed police forces (CAPF).
On Thursday, India honoured acts of bravery by its armed forces and recognised senior military leadership involved in planning and executing Operation Sindoor, as part of the annual military honours announced on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.
Indian Air Force pilots who carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure and military targets in Pakistan, as well as personnel operating the S-400 air defence systems that played a key role during the May 7–10 hostilities, were among the recipients of these prestigious awards.
Top Military Leaders Recognised
The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal was awarded to senior military officers including:
- Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari
- Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti
- Indian Army DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai
- Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor and Air Marshal Jeetendra Misra, leading the South Western and Western Air Commands respectively, also received the medal.
From the Navy, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, who as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command oversaw deployment of naval assets after the Pahalgam attack, was conferred the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, key to finalising the Navy’s deployment strategy post-Pahalgam strike, received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.
IAF Pilots Honoured for Gallantry
Nine fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force were awarded the Vayu Chakra for exceptional bravery.
Summary of Awards
President Murmu approved a total of 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards, which include:
- 4 Kirti Chakras
- 15 Vir Chakras
- 16 Shaurya Chakras
- 2 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 6 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
The list also recognises seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, nine Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 24 Yudh Seva Medals. Additionally, the President approved 290 Mentions-in-Despatches, including 115 from the Indian Army, five from the Indian Navy, and 167 from the Indian Air Force.
