Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan on February 27 during an aerial combat, is likely to be awarded a Vir Chakra, the coveted wartime gallantry medal, say media reports.
According to a Hindustan Times report, officials familiar with the development said the IAF pilot will be accorded the top military honour for his exploits during the aerial combat. Apart from Varthaman, the Mirage-2000 pilots involved in the pre-dawn Balakot airstrike are also expected to get the top military honour.
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There were reports earlier that IAF was going to recommend Varthaman's name for Vir Chakra, which is the third highest award after the Paramvir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra.
Varthaman was captured by the Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani jets. Before his jet was hit, Varthaman downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan. He was released on the night of March 1 by Pakistan.
Varthaman had returned to his squadron in Srinagar in March though he was on a four-week sick leave.
Recently, the IAF had released a teaser for an upcoming mobile game, 'Indian Air Force: A Cut Above', featuring a digital rendition of what appears to be Varthaman and the majority of the IAF's diverse fleet of aircraft.
