Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar Reflects on 60th Anniversary of Historic Sargodha Airstrike

Sixty years ago, on September 7, 1965, Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar (Retd) made history as a young Indian Air Force pilot by participating in the world's first bold daylight airstrike against Pakistan's Sargodha airbase. Now 84, Rajkumar reflects on the mission that earned him a Mention in Despatches for bravery and stands as one of the Indian Air Force's most legendary operations.

Rajkumar described the Sargodha strike as a testament to courage, precision, and unwavering trust in his squadron. "The memory of that mission is etched in my mind," he remarked, even after six decades. India's recent Operation Sindoor, targeting the same airbase, underscores its enduring strategic significance.

Born in Davangere and educated in Mysuru and Bengaluru, Rajkumar embarked on his journey with the Indian Air Force's Flying Branch in November 1962. After nine years in fighter squadrons, he honed his skills as an Experimental Test Pilot in France in 1971. Throughout his career, he piloted 55 different aircraft types, amassing 5,200 flying hours.

Rajkumar is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. He played key roles in shaping India's aviation landscape.

In 1994, at the request of the late President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was then the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Ministry, Rajkumar took charge of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft's flight test program at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). He eventually retired as the Director of ADA after significantly contributing to the indigenous fighter project.

Rajkumar's exemplary service earned him the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Vayu Sena Medal (VM).

The Tejas, which Rajkumar helped develop, was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2016. At 78, Rajkumar flew the Tejas trainer and later documented the aircraft's story in his well-received book, Radiance in Indian Skies: The Tejas Saga, launched at Aero India 2021 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Reflecting on his experience, he said, "To fly Tejas decades after my first sortie was not just a privilege, but proof of how far India has come in aviation technology."

The celebrated Sargodha strike also made its way to the silver screen. The Bollywood movie Sky Force, released in January 2025, dramatized the audacious daylight operation, bringing the tale of India's air prowess to audiences.

Even at the age of 84, Air Marshal Rajkumar remains active. He previously held the position of President of the Aeronautical Society of India and continues to indulge in his passion for golf with the same dedication that marked his flying career.