Gallantry awards announced for 36 Air Force and 16 BSF personnel

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On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, the Centre announced gallantry awards for the nation’s bravehearts, including 36 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel and 16 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel for their “bravery” and “extraordinary courage” during Operation Sindoor. Wing Commander Abhimanyu Singh has been honoured with the Shaurya Chakra.

According to Army officials, nine IAF personnel have been conferred the Vir Chakra. Ahead of Independence Day, two senior Army officers have been awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. The gallantry awards list this year includes 4 Kirti Chakras, 4 Vir Chakras, and 8 Shaurya Chakras.

26 IAF officers awarded Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)

Twenty-six IAF officers and personnel have been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for roles ranging from striking targets inside Pakistan to operating S-400 and other air defence systems that thwarted all planned attacks on Indian territory. 

Group Captain R.S. Sidhu, Group Captain Manish Arora, and seven others are among those honoured with the Vir Chakra.

16 BSF personnel honoured for Operation Sindoor

During Operation Sindoor — a counter-offensive against Pakistan and terrorist threats — 16 BSF personnel displayed “bravery” and “exceptional courage” in actions that included destroying enemy surveillance cameras and neutralising drone attacks.

The paramilitary force, deployed under Army operational control in western India, guards both the Line of Control (LoC) and the 2,290-km-long India-Pakistan International Border (IB).