CELEBRATION OF KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS RAJAT JAYANTI 2024 AT AIR
FORCE STATION SARSAWA
15/7/2024,
Indian Air Force has a proud legacy of courage and sacrifice by its gallant air warriors who fought valiantly in the Kargil War in 1999, which was indeed a milestone in the history of military aviation. IAF operations in the Kargil War (Op Safed Sagar) are a testament to IAF's ability to overcome insurmountable challenges posed by the steep gradient and dizzying altitudes of above 16000 ft, which posed unique operational difficulties in targeting the enemy.
The swift technical modifications and training held IAF in
good stead in its employment of air power to win this war fought at the highest
battlefield of the world. Overall, IAF flew around 5000 strike missions, 350
reconnaissance/ ELINT missions, and around 800 escort flights. The IAF also
flew over 2000 helicopter sorties towards casualty evacuations and air
transport operations.
To commemorate 25 years of Kargil victory, the Indian Air Force is celebrating 'Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti' at Air Force Station Sarsawa from 12 Jul to 26 Jul 24, honouring the brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. 152 Helicopter Unit, 'The Mighty Armour', of Air Force Station Sarsawa played a key role during Op Safed Sagar. On 28 May 99, Sqn Ldr R Pundir, Flt Lt S Muhilan, Sgt PVNR Prasad and Sgt RK Sahu of 152 HU were tasked to fly as 'Nubra' formation for a live strike against enemy positions at Tololing.
After successfully pressing home the attack, their
helicopter was hit by an enemy Stinger Missile during the breakaway, leading
to the loss of four precious lives. For this act of exceptional courage, they
were awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), posthumously. Their supreme sacrifice
ensured that their names forever remain etched in the annals of the history of IAF.
On 13 Jul 24, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief
Marshal VR Chaudhari laid a wreath along with senior dignitaries, families of
brave hearts, veterans and serving IAF officers, at the Station War Memorial as
a tribute to all air warriors who laid down their lives in service of the
nation. The CAS felicitated and interacted with the next of kin during the
event.
A spectacular air show was organised that
included a display by the Akash Ganga Team and aerial displays by Jaguar, Su-30
Mkl and Rafale fighter aircraft. A "Missing Man formation" was flown
by Mi-17 V5 in memory of the fallen heroes. A
static display of IAF helicopters viz Mi-17 V5, Cheetah, and Chinook was also
organised along with performances by the Air Warrior Drill Team and the Air
Force Band.
The event was witnessed by over 5000 spectators,
including schoolchildren, local residents of the Saharanpur area, veterans, civil
dignitaries and personnel of Defence Forces establishments from Roorkee,
Dehradun and Ambala.
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