2 IAF pilots from UP hailed for exemplary courage: Gazette hails bravery in Operation Sindoor, mid-air recovery

LUCKNOW: The central govt has praised two Indian Air Force pilots from Uttar Pradesh for displaying exemplary courage in difficult situations. The praise has been documented in the central govt gazette issued on Oct 4.

Wing Commander Joy Chandra (38) from Meerut has been officially cited for displaying exceptional courage during Operation Sindoor.

He was among 15 gallantry awardees who received the Vir Chakra from President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the Independence Day this year.




Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2009, Joy was part of a strike package tasked with neutralizing designated targets deep within enemy territory.

According to the citation, Joy flew at extremely low altitudes to evade radar detection and ascended only at critical moments to release weapons. Despite being within the range of these systems, Joy maintained composure and focus, demonstrating exceptional situational awareness and decision-making under pressure.

Wing Commander Abhimanyu Singh, 37, from Aligarh and settled in Ghaziabad, has been hailed for heroic mid-air recovery of Su-30 MKI.

He was conferred Shaurya Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the Independence Day this year for his extraordinary courage during a life-threatening emergency at 18,000 feet.

As per the citation, on the night of Nov 21, 2024, while conducting a dual check sortie with an under-training pilot under pitch dark visibility, the aircraft's rear canopy shattered mid-air during a steep upward turn.

The incident caused explosive decompression, and shards of canopy struck Abhimanyu's helmet, face, and elbow. His visor shattered, his helmet bent, and his head slammed into the seat.

Despite the hostile cockpit environment, severe injuries, and impaired vision due to profuse bleeding, Wing Commander Singh initiated a series of precise and timely actions to stabilize the aircraft.

Citation read: "Wing Cdr felt intense pain in his face and shoulder, and numbness in his right elbow. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he instructed the front pilot to steer toward base, but the wind blast kept pushing the throttles forward, making control difficult."

As the aircraft approached landing, his condition worsened—his right hand became rigid, and he felt faint. Yet, aware of the inexperience of the trainee pilot, poor visibility, and the proximity to civilian areas, he took over control and executed a flawless landing, showcasing exceptional flying skill and presence of mind, read the citation.