Medal citations detail Op Sindoor intricacies

One of the fighter pilots decorated with Vir Chakra for his heroism during Operation Sindoor, the four-day military confrontation with Pakistan in May, flew multiple deep-penetration strike missions to take out designated targets with surgical precision.

- Rahul Singh

The pilot, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, also carried out air defence missions to support other fighter pilots flying similar strike missions.

“As the Commanding Officer, Sidhu exhibited exceptional acts of gallantry on multiple occasions, displayed resolute leadership and unwavering dedication to duty in a complex and highstakes combat environment with disregard to personal safety,” reads an excerpt from his citation published in the Gazette of India dated October 4 but being reported for the first time.

Sidhu was commanding a Rafale squadron.

He was among the 15 Indian soldiers and security personnel who were awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime honour, by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the 79th Independence Day for playing a pivotal role in hitting terror and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during the May 7-10 clash. To be sure, the citations were not released when the awards were announced.

The government has hailed Sidhu for the planning and execution of air operations of his squadron from three different locations along the western sector.

“In each of these missions, he faced complex threat scenarios and layered air defences. Despite overwhelming odds, he demonstrated unmatched courage and outstanding tactical acumen... His constant liaison and advice to war planning staff ensured achievement of all mission objectives," reads his citation, adding that he made dynamic, real-time decisions in the air, adapting swiftly to emerging threats and operational variables.

"His bold leadership and composure under fire were instrumental in achieving the intended strike outcomes while ensuring survivability of own forces that were undertaking missions under the AD (air defence) cover of his squadron." The IAF, it adds, achieved an enhanced offensive posture owing to the unequivocal results achieved by the squadron under his leadership.