Indian Air Force recommends Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for Vir Chakra Award

Indian Air Force on Saturday recommended Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for wartime gallantry medal Vir Chakra for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 in an aerial dogfight on February 27

Vir Chakra is third highest gallantry award in military during times of war after Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra.

In February, Wing Commander Varthaman shot down an F-16 combat aircraft from his legacy MiG-21 Bison aircraft. He h shot down Pakistan's F-16 fitted with AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles in air. 

RE: 'You Hunted Hunter': Indian Air Force Praises Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman

Earlier this week, Wing Commander Varthaman underwent medical tests at a Delhi-based facility for becoming eligible to fly MiG-21s again.

Following aerial dogfight, he was captured by  Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down during combat.

He was released by Pakistan after 48 hours on March 1. While he was in Pakistan custody, he showed extreme cour and grace in handling most difficult circumstances in neighbouring country. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed officer after he returned to India, saying that 'nation is proud of his exemplary cour'.

"It is good to be back in my country," was first reaction of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he set his foot back on Indian soil, as stated by an official quoting ace pilot after he received him at Attari-Wagah border soon after his release by Pakistan.

Indian Air Force h also taken to describe Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as someone who "hunted hunter". Posting a poem on it's official Twitter handle, IAF described fighter pilot's feat as something that is t possible for everyone.

RE: Good To Be Back In My Country, Says IAF Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman After Release From Pakistan Custody

(With ncy inputs)