New Delhi: Indian Air Force Chief, Marshal R. K. S. Bhadauria, will award unit citation to the 51 Squadron for pushing back the Pakistani fighter jets after the Balakot Indian airstrikes. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, belonging to 51 Squadron, also shot down a US made F-16 Pakistani jet with this MiG-21 Bison during the attack.
Squadron Leader Minty Aggarwal’s ‘601 Signal Unit’ will also be honoured for their role in Balakot airstrike and also for thwarting the Pakistani attack in retaliation. Minty Agarwal had vectored Abhinandan’s MiG that destroyed the F-16.
Commanding officer Group Commander Satish Pawar will receive the honor on behalf of the 51 Squadron.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra and Squadron Leader Minty Aggarwal was awarded Yudh Seva Medal for her role in alerting the Indian Air Force about the Pakistani attack and also for guiding Abhinandan during his aerial dogfight with the Pakistani F-16, which he shot down.
