Air Force Station Bhisiana marked the 25th anniversary of India’s Kargil victory with a grand celebration of Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti on July 20, 2024.
The event honored the bravery, valor, and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1999 Kargil conflict. The commemoration highlighted the successful culmination of Operation Safed Sagar by the Indian Air Force and Operation Vijay by the Indian Army. This milestone in military aviation history demonstrated the effective use of air power at high altitudes.
No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows,” formerly based at Bhisiana and operating MiG-21 Type 96 aircraft, played a crucial role in the conflict. Their reconnaissance and strike missions earned them the prestigious “Battle Honours” and numerous awards, including a Vir Chakra awarded posthumously to Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja.
Air Marshal PK Vohra, Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command, led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the station’s War Memorial. Notable attendees included former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (Retd), and Mrs. Alka Ahuja, widow of Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja.
The event featured an impressive aerial display, including:
– Paradrops by the Akash Ganga Skydiving team
– A ‘Vic’ formation flypast by Rafale and Jaguar fighters
– Mi-17 1V helicopter demonstrations
– Su-30 MKI low-level aerobatics
– MiG-29 “Arrow Head” and “Missing Man” formations
Ground performances by the Air Force Band and Air Warrior Drill Team captivated the audience of over 5,000 spectators, including many schoolchildren. This celebration not only paid tribute to the fallen heroes but also inspired the younger generation with the values of courage, dedication, and patriotism that define the Indian Air Force and the nation as a whole. As India moves forward, the legacy of these heroes will continue to motivate future generations to serve and protect the nation with unwavering resolve.
