Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who was awarded the Vir Chakra for a 2019 air engagement over the Line of Control (LoC), retires from the Indian Air Force and joins a Goa-based airline as a pilot, according to reports.
The accounts refer to the February 27, 2019 dogfight in which Varthaman is credited with shooting down a Pakistani F-16. He later is reported to have been held in Pakistan for three days. Following the engagement, he receives the Vir Chakra, described in one report as India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award and as recognition for his “exceptional sense of duty.”
The outlets differ mainly in emphasis: one highlights his specific role in “post-Balakot operations” and the captivity period, while the other focuses on his retirement from the IAF and the citation for the medal. Both agree on the key points that he is retiring from the IAF and moving to civilian airline flying. The reports do not add further details about his future role or start date beyond his joining the airline.
