Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhaa and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Monday flew a sortie in a MiG-21 fighter aircraft. Last week, Abhinandan h resumed flying operations, sources said. officer has started flying after medical clearance, IAF officials said. officer is posted at a MiG-21 Bison airbase in western desert. tably, Indian Air Force Chief who flew MiG 21 aircraft with Abhinandan was also a MiG-21 pilot. He h flown planes during 1999 Kargil war while commanding 17 Squron during war.

Abhinandan's capture and release

Abhinandan who displayed extreme valour after shooting down a modern Pakistani F16 jet during Indo-Pak air skirmish a day after February 26 Balakot airstrike, was captured by Pakistan. He spent days in Pakistan's custody when his MiG-21 aircraft was shot down by Pakistan Army. He was released on March 1, 2019, by Pakistan forces and was formally escorted into India at Wagah Border. This was done as per Geneva Convention agreement.

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Abhinandan conferred with Vir Chakra

Houring Abhinandan's bravery, President's office issued an order that national hero will be conferred Vir Chakra on Independence Day. Vir Chakra is India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal. Varthaman's award was anunced by defence ministry while reing out military awards during Independence Day celebrations. President Ram Nath Kovind lauded his act of bravery and gallantry on battlefield while he was captured by Pakistani Army after shooting down a Pakistani jet and crash landing inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) territory. 

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Display of valour and cour from hero

In high-altitude dogfight that ensued, flying a 1960s aircraft, Wing Commander Abhinandan used his close-combat R73 missile to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 - an unheard-of feat. 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. Varthaman was captured by Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani jets during aerial combat. Before his jet was hit, he downed a more techlogically vanced F-16 fighter of Pakistan. Varthaman was released on night of March 1 by Pakistan. 

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