Kargil Vijay Diwas: Silver Jubilee Celebrated With IAF's Aerial Displays, Tributes At Bhisiana Air Force Station

The 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was grandly celebrated at Air Force Station Bhisiana, Punjab, commemorating the bravery of soldiers during the 1999 war.

Indian Armed Forces personnel celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti, in Bathinda district, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Source : PTI

The silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated with great pride and fervour at the Air Force Station in Bhisiana, Punjab, on Saturday to honour the bravery, valour, and sacrifices of Indian soldiers who made during the 1999 war.

The No.17 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, which operated MiG-21 Type-96 aircraft from Bhisiana AFS during the war, played a key role in the operations. It was done by conducting several reconnaissance and strike missions to flush out enemy troops, according to a statement from the defence ministry.

#IAF Southern Air Command, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a spectacular display at AF Station Thiruvananthapuram, featuring impressive performances by aircraft and Air warriors of @IAF_MCC.
Special Force Garud Commandos showcased their daring skills, followed by precision… pic.twitter.com/nzmfk60so1

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 20, 2024

The ministry stated that the celebration featured an aerial display, including a para-drop by the Akash Ganga Skydiving team, a flypast in 'Vic' formation by three Rafale jets and three Jaguar fighter aircraft, slithering and Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE) operations by the Mi-17 1V helicopter, and low-level aerobatics by Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

The event also included a flypast in 'Arrow Head' and 'Missing Man' formations by MiG-29 aircraft in memory of the brave air warriors. Spectators were also enthralled by performances from the Air Force Band and Air Warrior Drill Team.

Over 5,000 spectators, including school children, experienced the aerial display, showcasing the bravery, precision, and dedication of the air warriors. This created a lasting impression on the young generation about the Indian Air Force's conduct during 'Op Safed Sagar'.

This event marks the 25th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War in 1999, commemorating the culmination of 'Operation Safed Sagar' by the Indian Air Force and 'Operation Vijay' by the Indian Army. It was a significant milestone in military aviation history, where air power was successfully employed at high altitudes.

Kargil Vijay Diwas: IAF Wreath-Laying Ceremony At War Memorial

The squadron received the coveted 'Battle Honours' for its commendable service during operations. "This prestigious unit has also won the maximum number of honours and awards amongst the Air Force units, which participated in 'Operation Safed Sagar', including a Vir Chakra, which was awarded to Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja (posthumously) for his act of bravery during the conflict," it added.

The solemn occasion included a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial at the Air Force station by Air Marshal P K Vohra, Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command. The event was also attended by former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (retd), Alka Ahuja (spouse of the late Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja), 'Op Safed Sagar' awardees, and various other IAF officers.

It was followed by an aerial display by #IAF SU-30 MKI, Rafale, Jaguar and MiG-29 aircraft flying past an audience comprising of school children and local public. Amongst the show of skills, immaculate performances by Air Warrior Drill Team and Akash Ganga Skydiving team… pic.twitter.com/AA5HeaUN28

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 20, 2024

The chief guest had an interaction with and felicitated the next-of-kin during the event. The Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration at Bhisiana AFS not only honored the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers but also reinforced a commitment in the young generation to uphold the values of courage, dedication, and patriotism that define our nation.

As the nation looks forward to the future, the legacy of our heroes, highlighted by this event, will continue to inspire us to protect and serve with unwavering resolve, the statement said.