Experts have hailed it as the first ever kill of an F-16 by a MiG-21 Bison, fighter jets of two different generations. He could be recommended for a Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest war-time gallantry award, HT learns. Senior IAF officials, who did not want to be named, said Varthaman could be recommended for a Vir Chakra for bringing the PAF F-16 down. The government will have to take that call, whether he gets a Vir Chakra or a Shaurya Chakra,” one of the officials said. The Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra are the country’s third-highest war-time and peace-time gallantry awards, respectively.

Source: Hindustan Times April 19, 2019 17:57 UTC