The India Air Force has recommended Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for the Vir Chakra medal for shooting down an F-16 in an aerial engagment with the Pakistan Air Force on February 27. The Vir Chakra is the third highest gallantry award in the military during times of war after the Param Vir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra. Wing Commander Abhinandan’s new base is also a fighter base. During the aerial engagement, Wing Commander Varthaman’s Mig-21 was shot down across the Line of Control (LoC). Under pressure from India, Wing Commander Abhinandan was released by Pakistan on March 1.

Source: Hindustan Times April 20, 2019 16:56 UTC