9 IAF Officers, Including Fighter Pilots, Honoured with Vir Chakra for PoK, Pakistan Strikes in Operation Sindoor

Nine Indian Air Force (IAF) officers, including fighter pilots who carried out precision strikes on terrorist group headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur as well as Pakistani military assets during Operation Sindoor, have been conferred the Vir Chakra, the country’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, news agency ANI reported.

The recognition comes after IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh, recently disclosed that Indian forces downed at least six Pakistani aircraft during the high-intensity operation.

Operation Sindoor was India’s targeted response to the Pahalgam terror attack, and its bravery citations extend beyond the Air Force. According to reports, sixteen Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have also received gallantry medals for acts of “conspicuous bravery” and “unmatched valour” during the mission.

1,090 Personnel Awarded on Independence Day

Marking Independence Day 2025, a total of 1,090 officers and personnel from police forces, fire services, Home Guard, Civil Defence, and prison departments were honoured for exceptional service.

The awards include 233 Gallantry Medals, 99 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service, and 758 Medals for Meritorious Service—celebrating courage, dedication, and exemplary performance in the line of duty.