IAF chief presents gallantry medals to air warriors, six Unit Citations for distinguished service

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Wednesday presented military decorations to several air warriors, including a gallantry medal given posthumously to a sergeant who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation Sindoor.

On the occasion of a ceremonial event held at the Hindon air base in Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) to mark the 93rd anniversary of the Indian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff felicitated air warriors with a total of 97 medals spanning different categories and six Unit Citations, according to the defence ministry.

The 93rd Anniversary of the Indian Air Force was commemorated at Air Force Station Hindan on 08 Oct 2025 with a grand parade, reviewed by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. The event was graced by CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, COAS, CNS, former Chiefs of Air Staff and… pic.twitter.com/dQFhWfqHN5

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 8, 2025

Also Read: Pakistan lost at least 12 aircraft during Operation Sindoor: IAF Chief Singh

Categories of Awards and Decorations

These included Yudh Seva Medal -- awarded for high degree of distinguished service in an operational context which includes times of war, conflict and hostilities; Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) and Vishisht Seva Medal.

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) is given for an act of exceptional courage.

Honouring the Fallen Heroes

According to the announcement made at the event, a gallantry medal was posthumously given to Sergeant Surendra Kumar, for making "supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation Sindoor". It was received by his family member on the occasion.

Also, a corporal was awarded a gallantry medal posthumously for making "supreme sacrifice in the line of duty".

Operation Sindoor and Its Significance

The Indian Air Force's execution of Operation Sindoor has proved to the world how air power can be effectively used in shaping military outcomes in just a few days, Air Chief Marshal Singh said in his address on the occasion.

Singh also said his force's "bold and precise" attacks on enemy targets during the operation restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness.

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, using air power to destroy several terror infrastructures in territories controlled by Pakistan.

The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.

Also Read: IAF chief says happy to tackle 'ghost of Balakot' during Operation Sindoor

Unit Citations Presented for Excellence

During the Air Force Day ceremony, the IAF chief also presented six Unit Citations for exceptional professional contribution.

These were given to 17 Sqn (Golden Arrows); 222 Sqn (Tigersharks); 43 Sqn (Ibexes); 2601 Sqn (Triumphs); 2232 Sqn (Kestrels); and a Base Repair Depot.

PTI