Four IAF Personnel Awarded Shaurya Chakra for Exceptional Bravery

Four personnel from the Indian Air Force have been conferred the Shaurya Chakra for acts of exceptional courage and presence of mind during life-threatening situations, both in the air and on the ground. The gallantry awards recognise their swift action, professional skill, and composure under extreme pressure, which helped avert potentially catastrophic outcomes.

Image Source: IAF on X

Wing Commander Vernon Keane was flying a routine sortie in a fighter aircraft when a malfunction in the oil system led to the shutdown of both engines mid-flight. Despite the critical nature of the emergency, he maintained control of the aircraft, steering it away from populated areas to minimise the risk to civilian life. In the process, he managed to relight one of the engines and safely recover the aircraft, thereby preventing loss of life and saving a valuable national asset.

Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar was on a night instructional sortie with a trainee pilot when a bird strike resulted in an engine flameout. Operating under low visibility and constrained by limited cues, he was able to execute a precise emergency landing with only 1,000 feet of runway remaining. His timely and skilled handling of the situation ensured the safety of the aircraft and crew.

Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans faced a critical emergency during a long-range ferry mission on a dark night in March 2024. At an altitude of 28,000 feet, a sudden cockpit explosion disabled the Head-Up Display and all external visual references. Despite the grave situation, he regained control, followed emergency protocols, and safely landed the aircraft at the nearest airbase, preventing potential casualties and the loss of the fighter jet.

On the ground, Sergeant Sanjay Hiffabhai Dabhi (then Corporal) displayed remarkable courage during a terrorist attack in May 2024. Despite sustaining gunshot wounds and bleeding heavily, he maintained composure and tactical awareness. He repositioned himself under fire, engaged the attackers, and safeguarded the lives of his team members.

The Shaurya Chakra recognises acts of bravery that do not involve direct action with the enemy. These instances reflect the high standards of professionalism and dedication expected from personnel of the Indian Air Force in both operational and security scenarios.

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