25 years of Kargil war: Indian Air Force recalls 'Op Safed Sagar', pays homage to fallen heroes

New Delhi: The IAF on Sunday recalled the force's contribution in the Kargil war 25 years ago during which it flew thousands of strike missions and helicopters sorties to bolster the Army's efforts in fighting against the adversary.

To commemorate the silver jubilee of the victory in the 1999 Kargil war, the Indian Air Force is celebrating 'Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti' at Air Force Station Sarsawa from July 12-26, honouring the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, the ministry of defence said in a statement.

On Saturday, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari laid a wreath at the Station War Memorial as a tribute to all air warriors who laid down their lives in service of the nation. He felicitated and interacted with many next of kin during the event. A spectacular air show was organised that included display by the Akash Ganga Team and aerial displays by Jaguar, Su-30 MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft.

A 'Missing Man' formation was flown by Mi-17 V5 in memory of the fallen heroes. A static display of IAF helicopters such as Mi-17 V5, Cheetah, Chinook was also organised along with performances by the Air Warrior Drill Team and the Air Force Band, it said.

The event was witnessed by over 5,000 spectators, including school children, local residents of Saharanpur area, veterans, civil dignitaries and personnel of defence forces establishments from Roorkee, Dehradun and Ambala.

The IAF has a proud legacy of courage and sacrifice by its gallant air warriors who fought valiantly in the Kargil War 1999, which was indeed a milestone in the history of military aviation, the statement said.

"IAF operations in Kargil War ('Op Safed Sagar') are a testament to IAF's ability to overcome insurmountable challenges posed by the steep gradient and dizzying altitudes of above 16,000 ft, that posed unique operational difficulties in targeting the enemy," it said.

The swift technical modifications and on the-job-training held IAF in good stead in its employment of air power to win this war fought at the highest battlefield of the world.

"Overall, IAF flew around 5,000 strike missions, 350 reconnaissance/ ELINT missions, and around 800 escort flights. The IAF also flew over 2,000 helicopter sorties towards casualty evacuations and air transport operations," the ministry said.

Also, the 152 Helicopter Unit, 'The Mighty Armour', of Air Force Station Sarsawa played a key role during 'Op Safed Sagar'. On May 28, 1999, Sqn Ldr R Pundir, Flt Lt S Muhilan, Sgt PVNR Prasad and Sgt R K Sahu of 152 HU were tasked to fly as 'Nubra' formation for a live strike against enemy positions at Tololing. After successfully pressing home the attack, their helicopter was hit by an enemy Stinger Missile during the break away, leading to the loss of four precious lives, it said.

For this act of exceptional courage, they were awarded Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), posthumously. Their supreme sacrifice ensured that their names forever remain etched in the annals of history of IAF forever.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence also posted on X a video marking 25th year of the victory of the Indian armed forces in the Kargil war.

"On this day, 25 years ago, #OperationVijay was declared a resounding success. Our soldiers stood tall amidst the Kargil heights, their extraordinary bravery and heroism a source of immense national pride and honour. #25YearsofKargilVijay," it posted.

The war was declared over on July 26, 1999, after the Indian forces successfully pushed back the Pakistani forces which had stealthily occupied important heights in Ladakh.