Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to be conferred Vir Chakra on August 15th

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of the Indian Air Force will be conferred Vir Chakra on Independence Day, Defence sources said on Wednesday.

The IAF foiled the Pakistani retaliation, Abhinandan Varthaman downed an F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force, showing bravery and determination.

He was part of an aerial engagement with Pakistan a day after the Balakot airstrike and was later caught by Pakistan after his Mig-21 Bison fighter jet crashed on the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan caught him on February 27, then on, March 1 was released and handed over to India at the Wagah-Attari border crossing.

Abhinandan became the face of the military conflict between India and Pakistan.

Vir Chakra is India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal.