New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- The Government on Thursday announced gallantry awards for 36 air warriors who played crucial roles in Operation Sindoor. Nine IAF officers, including fighter pilots who targeted terrorist groups' headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur and Pakistan military assets in Operation Sindoor were awarded the Vir Chakra - the third-highest wartime gallantry medal.
One was awarded the Shaurya Chakra. The Shaurya Chakra is awarded for courageous action or self-sacrifice while not directly engaged with the enemy. It ranks after the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra. 26 others were awarded with the Vayu Sena medal.
Among the recipients of the Vir Chakra are Group Captains RS Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni and Kunal Kalra. Wi...