Abhinandan Varthaman

Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman VrC (born 21 June 1983) is an Indian Air Force officer and fighter pilot. He flew a MiG-21 Bison during an aerial engagement on 27 February 2019, when his aircraft was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force. He was captured by the Pakistan Army after landing in Pakistani territory, approximately 7 km (4 miles) from the Line of Control. On 1 March 2019, he was released and returned to India.

Infobox

Born

(1983-06-21) 21 June 1983 Tamil Nadu, India

Allegiance

India

Branch

Indian Air Force

Service years

2004–present

Rank

Group Captain

Service number

27981

Conflicts

2019 India–Pakistan standoff 2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes (POW)

Awards

Vir Chakra

Alma mater

Sainik School, Amaravathinagar National Defence Academy

Tables

· Awards and decorations

Samanya Seva Medal

Vir Chakra

Samanya Seva Medal

Wound Medal

Special Service Medal

Wound Medal

Siachen Glacier Medal

General Service Medal

Sainya Seva Medal

High Altitude Service Medal

Vir Chakra

High Altitude Service Medal

Wound Medal

75th Anniversary Independence Medal

Wound Medal

20 Years Long Service Medal

General Service Medal

9 Years Long Service Medal

Vir Chakra	Wound Medal		General Service Medal
Samanya Seva Medal	Special Service Medal	Siachen Glacier Medal	Sainya Seva Medal
High Altitude Service Medal	75th Anniversary Independence Medal	20 Years Long Service Medal	9 Years Long Service Medal