IAF Awards Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to 26 Officers and Airmen for Covert Operations and Air Defense
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced that 26 officers and airmen will be awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) in recognition of their extraordinary bravery and strategic achievements in clandestine operations inside Pakistan, as well as their effective defense maneuvers that successfully repelled enemy assaults.
This announcement comes ahead of India's 79th Independence Day, underscoring the significance of these high-pressure missions, similar to the escalation seen during the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. According to an official document released by ANI, the award recipients include fighter pilots who conducted precise strikes on Pakistani targets and personnel who operated the sophisticated S-400 air defense system.
The S-400 system, which has been part of India's defensive capabilities since its initial delivery in 2021, was instrumental in neutralizing all intended Pakistani attacks on Indian territory, according to the IAF citation. Known as "Sudarshana Chakra," the system is celebrated for its proficiency in intercepting low-visibility threats. A 2023 RAND Corporation study highlighted its competence against aircraft such as Pakistan's F-16 jets amid recent border hostilities.
