To commemorate 25 years of Kargil victory, 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. 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 on the-job-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.
The 152 Helicopter Unit, known as ‘The Mighty Armour’, played a vital role in Operation Safed Sagar. On May 28, 1999, Squadron Leader R. Pundir, Flight Lieutenant S. Muhilan, Sergeant P.V.N.R. Prasad, and Sergeant R.K. Sahu carried out a live strike against enemy positions at Tololing as part of the ‘Nubra’ formation. After completing their mission, their helicopter was hit by an enemy Stinger missile during the retreat, leading to the loss of these four brave men. They were posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for their heroism, ensuring their names will always be remembered in IAF history.
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 organized 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 organized along with performances by the Air Warrior Drill Team and the Air Force Band.
The event was witnessed by over 5000 spectators, including schoolchildren, residents of the Saharanpur area, veterans, civil dignitaries, and personnel of Defence Forces establishments from Roorkee, Dehradun, and Ambala.
