Meet Group Captain Ranjit Singh Sidhu: The Rafale Pilot Who Destroyed Terror Camps in Pakistan During Operation Sindoor and Earned the Vir Chakra
On India's 79th Independence Day in 2025, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu was awarded the Vir Chakra, the nation's third-highest wartime gallantry award. But what led to this moment of national recognition? His journey is a powerful story of dedication and courage, culminating in a pivotal role during one of India's most significant recent military operations.
Early Life and Path to the Skies
Born and raised in Gidderbaha, a small town in Punjab's Muktsar district, Ranjeet Singh Sidhu (sometimes spelled Ranjit) showed early signs of being an exceptional individual. An all-rounder at Malwa School, he excelled in both academics and sports, building a foundation of discipline and mental fortitude.
His fascination with aviation sparked in his early teens. After completing his schooling, he pursued a degree at Panjab University and, in 2000, successfully cleared the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam. This was the turning point that set him on a path to a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force (IAF), where he was officially commissioned on December 18, 2004.
Contributions to India's Air Power
Sidhu quickly proved his expertise, particularly with the arrival of the new Rafale fighter jets. In a landmark moment for India's aerial capabilities, he was among the elite team of pilots who flew the first five Rafale jets from France to India in July 2020. This 7,000 km journey was a testament to his skill and endurance.
Assigned to the prestigious No. 17 Squadron, known as the "Golden Arrows," Sidhu mastered the advanced multi-role aircraft. His deep understanding of the Rafale's superior stealth, precision weaponry, and beyond-visual-range combat abilities prepared him for the high-stakes missions that lay ahead.
The Pinnacle of Valor: Operation Sindoor
Sidhu's defining moment came during Operation Sindoor, a targeted tri-service response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which killed 26 civilians.
On the night of May 6-7, 2025, as a Group Captain and Rafale pilot, he was at the forefront of this crucial operation. Executing precision strikes, Sidhu and his fellow pilots destroyed key terrorist launchpads deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation successfully neutralized sites belonging to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Sidhu's role exemplified the IAF's evolving strategy, blending cutting-edge technology with tactical expertise to deliver a powerful message of deterrence. His actions, alongside other IAF pilots, were a critical part of a mission that demonstrated restraint by avoiding military installations, yet effectively targeted terrorist infrastructure.
Timeline of Key Events in Group Captain Sidhu's Career
| Date | Event | Details |
| 1999 | Completion of Schooling | Finished Class XII at Malwa School, Gidderbaha. |
| 2004 | IAF Commissioning | Entered the Indian Air Force as a Flying Pilot on December 18. |
| 2020 | Rafale Ferry Mission | Flew one of the first Rafale jets from France to India. |
| May 2025 | Operation Sindoor | Executed precision strikes on nine terror sites. |
| Aug 2025 | Vir Chakra Award | Recognized for his gallantry and bravery. |
Legacy and Recognition
On August 15, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu formally conferred the Vir Chakra upon Sidhu. He was one of nine IAF officers to receive the gallantry award for their roles in Operation Sindoor, a testament to the aerial dominance displayed during the mission.
While specific citations remain classified, the award recognizes his "conspicuous acts of bravery" in the presence of the enemy. Sidhu's journey from a small-town student to a decorated Air Force officer has inspired immense pride in his home state of Punjab and across the nation. His story underscores the human element in modern warfare, where individual valor plays a critical role in supporting national security.
Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu stands as a beacon of courage and professionalism, his service symbolizing the Indian Air Force's blend of tradition and innovation in navigating the complexities of modern cross-border threats.
