Meet Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik: The Su-30MKI Pilot Who Struck Terror Targets in Pakistan During Operation Sindoor and Earned the Vir Chakra

Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik, a fighter pilot from India's northeastern state of Manipur, has emerged as a symbol of courage and precision in modern aerial warfare. On August 15, 2025 India's Independence Day he was awarded the Vir Chakra, the nation's third-highest wartime gallantry medal, for his pivotal role in Operation Sindoor.

This operation marked a bold escalation in India's response to cross-border terrorism, where Malik piloted a Su-30MKI fighter jet to deliver devastating strikes deep inside Pakistan. His actions not only neutralized key terror infrastructure but also exemplified the Indian Air Force's (IAF) evolving doctrine of calibrated deterrence.

Below is a detailed exploration of Malik's life, his heroic exploits, and the broader context of the operation that thrust him into the national spotlight.

Early Life and Path to the Skies

Born into a modest family in Keikhu village, Imphal East district of Manipur, Rizwan Malik is the son of Alhaj Hafizuddin and Alhajan Waheeda Rehman. He belongs to the Meitei Pangal community (Muslim Meiteis), a group known for its deep-rooted integration into Manipuri society. While specific details about his early education remain limited in public records, Malik's journey reflects the aspirations of many from India's remote regions who seek to serve the nation through the armed forces.

Malik joined the Indian Air Force as a commissioned officer on June 20, 2015, as part of the 195th Course in the Flying (Pilot) branch. His service number is 34563 F(P). He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant on June 20, 2017, and to Squadron Leader on June 20, 2021. Assigned to No. 102 Squadron, nicknamed the "Tridents," Malik flies the advanced Su-30MKI multirole fighter jet, a backbone of the IAF's strike capabilities. This squadron, based out of various forward airbases, specializes in deep-penetration missions and air superiority operations.

Prior to Operation Sindoor, Malik's career was marked by rigorous training and operational readiness, though public details on earlier assignments are sparse due to the IAF's policy of not disclosing full records for serving officers below senior ranks. His selection for high-stakes missions underscores his skill as a pilot, honed through years of simulating complex scenarios involving enemy air defences and precision targeting.

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Operation Sindoor: India's Decisive Strike Against Terrorism

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was India's swift and punishing response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir. Sponsored by Pakistan-based groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the attack prompted a reevaluation of India's deterrence strategy. Unlike previous operations, Sindoor integrated air strikes with advanced missile systems, including the Russian-origin S-400 for air defence, to deliver a "new normal" in cross-border retaliation.

The operation targeted terror camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in over 100 terrorist casualties. IAF jets, including Su-30MKIs, penetrated Pakistani airspace to bomb sites such as the JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur, Punjab, and LeT's Muridke camp.

Pakistan retaliated with drone and unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) attacks on Indian airbases, but these were repelled, with India downing at least six Pakistani aircraft including five fighters and one early-warning platform at an unprecedented range of 300 kilometers using surface-to-air missiles.

Pakistan later admitted to 155 army and 54 air force personnel killed, though independent estimates suggest the actual toll was three times higher, with many buried in collapsed mountain bunkers. The IAF released unseen footage validating its weapon systems, including air-launched BrahMos missiles, which inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani airbases like Bholari. Analysts describe Sindoor as a lesson in restraint and precision, enhancing India's deterrence posture amid geopolitical tensions, including U.S. criticism from figures like Donald Trump over unrelated trade issues.

Malik's Heroic Role and the Vir Chakra Citation

During the operation, Squadron Leader Malik flew under hostile conditions, displaying "exemplary bravery, decisive leadership, and unwavering dedication." Piloting a Su-30MKI from No. 102 Squadron, he accurately struck high-value targets, including the JeM facility in Bahawalpur, causing significant casualties among terrorists and Pakistani forces. Reports indicate he launched BrahMos missiles at Bholari airbase, destroying a SAAB Erieye aircraft and killing 12 Pakistani Air Force personnel. His precision ensured minimal collateral damage while maximizing impact, contributing to the operation's success.

Malik was one of nine IAF officers honored with the Vir Chakra for Sindoor, alongside Group Captains Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni, Kunal Kalra; Wing Commander Joy Chandra; Squadron Leaders Sarthak Kumar and Siddhant Singh; and Flight Lieutenant Aarshveer Singh Thakur. This marked a historic first, with the most Vir Chakras awarded for a single operation in Indian military history. The award recognizes acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy, and Malik's citation highlights his "extraordinary courage and precision flying."

Impact, Reactions, and Legacy

The award has sparked immense pride in Manipur, where Chief Minister N. Biren Singh congratulated Malik for his "heroic role," calling it a testament to the state's spirit of sacrifice. The Government of Manipur saluted him as a source of inspiration, emphasizing his gallantry under fire.

Social media erupted with tributes, from uniform patches symbolizing his strikes to calls for "Operation Sindoor 2.0" against ongoing threats. Nationally, it underscores the IAF's readiness, with discussions on acquiring more S-400 or S-500 systems post-Sindoor.

As of August 16, 2025, Malik continues to serve, embodying the IAF's motto: "Touch the Sky with Glory." His story is not just one of individual valor but of India's unyielding resolve against terrorism, inspiring future generations from border states like Manipur.