India
25 years of Kargil War: IAF remembers ‘Operation Safed Sagar’, pays tribute to fallen heroes | India News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: The IAF Sunday recalled the police’s contribution to the Kargil War 25 years ago, during which it flew thousands of attack missions and helicopters flights to strengthen the army’s efforts in the fight against the enemy. To celebrate the silver jubilee of the victory in the Kargil war of 1999, the Indian Air Force will celebrate ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti’ at Sarsawa Air Base from July 12 to 26 to honour the brave souls who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
On Saturday, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari laid a wreath at the Station War Memorial as a tribute to all the air warriors who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. He congratulated and spoke to many bereaved families during the event.
A spectacular air show was organised including demonstrations by the Akash Ganga Team and aerial demonstrations of Jaguar, Su-30 MKI and Rafale fighters aeroplane.
A ‘Missing Man’ formation was flown by Mi-17 V5 in memory of the fallen heroes. A static display of IAF helicopters like Mi-17 V5, Cheetah, Chinook was also organised along with performances by Air Warrior Drill Team and Air Force Band, it said.
The event was attended by over 5,000 spectators, including school children, residents of Saharanpur area, veterans, civil dignitaries and personnel of defence units from Roorkee, Dehradun and Ambala.
The IAF boasts of a proud legacy of valor and sacrifice by its brave air warriors who fought valiantly in the 1999 Kargil War, which was indeed a milestone in the history of military aviation, the statement said.
“IAF Operations in the Kargil War (‘On Safed Sagar‘) are a testament to the IAF’s ability to overcome insurmountable challenges posed by the steep slopes and dizzying altitudes of over 16,000 feet, which posed unique operational difficulties in engaging the enemy,’ the report said.
The rapid technical adaptations and on-the-job training served the IAF well in deploying close air support to win this war fought on the world’s highest battlefield.
“In total, the IAF flew around 5,000 strike missions, 350 reconnaissance/ELINT missions and around 800 escort sorties. The IAF also flew over 2,000 helicopter sorties for casualty evacuation and air transport operations,” the ministry said.
The 152 Helicopter Unit, ‘The Mighty Armour’, from Air Force Station Sarsawa also played a significant role during ‘Op Safed Sagar’. On 28 May 1999, Sqn Ldr R Pundir, Flt Lt S Muhilan, Sgt PVNR Prasad and Sgt RK Sahu of 152 HU were tasked to fly as a ‘Nubra’ formation for a live attack on enemy positions at Tololing. After successfully pressing home the attack, their helicopter was hit by an enemy Stinger Missile while escaping, resulting in the loss of four precious lives, the report said.
For this act of exceptional bravery, they were posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). Their supreme sacrifice ensured that their names remain forever etched in the annals of IAF history.
The Defence Ministry spokesperson also posted a video on X to mark the 25th anniversary of the Indian armed forces’ victory in the Kargil War.
“On this day, 25 years ago, #OperationVijay was declared a resounding success. Our soldiers stood proud amidst the Kargil heights, their extraordinary courage and heroism a source of immense national pride and honour. #25YearsofKargilVijay,” it was posted.
The war ended on July 26, 1999 after the Indian forces successfully repelled the Pakistani forces, which had secretly occupied key heights in Ladakh.
On Saturday, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari laid a wreath at the Station War Memorial as a tribute to all the air warriors who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. He congratulated and spoke to many bereaved families during the event.
A spectacular air show was organised including demonstrations by the Akash Ganga Team and aerial demonstrations of Jaguar, Su-30 MKI and Rafale fighters aeroplane.
A ‘Missing Man’ formation was flown by Mi-17 V5 in memory of the fallen heroes. A static display of IAF helicopters like Mi-17 V5, Cheetah, Chinook was also organised along with performances by Air Warrior Drill Team and Air Force Band, it said.
The event was attended by over 5,000 spectators, including school children, residents of Saharanpur area, veterans, civil dignitaries and personnel of defence units from Roorkee, Dehradun and Ambala.
The IAF boasts of a proud legacy of valor and sacrifice by its brave air warriors who fought valiantly in the 1999 Kargil War, which was indeed a milestone in the history of military aviation, the statement said.
“IAF Operations in the Kargil War (‘On Safed Sagar‘) are a testament to the IAF’s ability to overcome insurmountable challenges posed by the steep slopes and dizzying altitudes of over 16,000 feet, which posed unique operational difficulties in engaging the enemy,’ the report said.
The rapid technical adaptations and on-the-job training served the IAF well in deploying close air support to win this war fought on the world’s highest battlefield.
“In total, the IAF flew around 5,000 strike missions, 350 reconnaissance/ELINT missions and around 800 escort sorties. The IAF also flew over 2,000 helicopter sorties for casualty evacuation and air transport operations,” the ministry said.
The 152 Helicopter Unit, ‘The Mighty Armour’, from Air Force Station Sarsawa also played a significant role during ‘Op Safed Sagar’. On 28 May 1999, Sqn Ldr R Pundir, Flt Lt S Muhilan, Sgt PVNR Prasad and Sgt RK Sahu of 152 HU were tasked to fly as a ‘Nubra’ formation for a live attack on enemy positions at Tololing. After successfully pressing home the attack, their helicopter was hit by an enemy Stinger Missile while escaping, resulting in the loss of four precious lives, the report said.
For this act of exceptional bravery, they were posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). Their supreme sacrifice ensured that their names remain forever etched in the annals of IAF history.
The Defence Ministry spokesperson also posted a video on X to mark the 25th anniversary of the Indian armed forces’ victory in the Kargil War.
“On this day, 25 years ago, #OperationVijay was declared a resounding success. Our soldiers stood proud amidst the Kargil heights, their extraordinary courage and heroism a source of immense national pride and honour. #25YearsofKargilVijay,” it was posted.
The war ended on July 26, 1999 after the Indian forces successfully repelled the Pakistani forces, which had secretly occupied key heights in Ladakh.
