NEW DELHI: Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman (Retd.), the Vir Chakra awardee who shot down a Pakistani F-16 during the 2019 aerial engagement following the Balakot operations, has joined the civil aviation sector after retiring from the Indian Air Force.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu welcomed Varthaman’s transition, saying in a post on X, “Welcome to this side of aviation, Group Captain Abhinandan (Retd.). From guarding India’s skies to connecting its people, here’s to a new chapter in the skies of India.”
Varthaman is set to begin his new innings as a commercial pilot with a private airline, marking a major transition after a distinguished career as a fighter pilot.
His name became nationally known after the aerial confrontation of February 27, 2019, when a large formation of Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft, including F-16s and JF-17s, approached the Line of Control.
According to his Vir Chakra citation, Varthaman, then a Wing Commander, was scrambled to intercept the hostile formation and displayed exceptional air combat skills during the engagement.
The citation states that he identified a low-flying enemy aircraft, alerted fellow pilots and then pursued a retreating Pakistani fighter aircraft.
During the ensuing aerial combat, Varthaman shot down an F-16 using an onboard missile. His own aircraft was later hit by a beyond-visual-range missile, forcing him to eject over enemy territory.
He was captured by Pakistani forces but, according to the citation, displayed “exceptional resolve” and conducted himself in a brave and dignified manner until his repatriation to India on March 1, 2019.
His conduct during the episode was credited with boosting the morale of the Indian armed forces, particularly the Air Force.
For his gallantry, Varthaman was conferred the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, in 2019.
His move into commercial aviation now marks a new phase in a career that has already spanned combat flying, national recognition and distinguished military service.
