Indian Air Force chief BS Dhanoa on Saturday piloted a MiG-21 to lead a four aircraft 'Missing Man' formation flypast to honour the valour and supreme sacrifice of Kargil martyrs.
The 'Missing Man' flypast is an aerial salute accorded to honour the fallen comrades-in-arms. The Arrow Formation of MiG-21 Bison, with a gap between two aircraft in the formation depicted the - Missing Man.
Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa, who was on a three-day visit to the Air Force station in Bhisiana in Punjab's Bhatinda district, also laid a wreath at the memorial to honour martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
It is here, while commanding the 17 Squadron Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had flown the MiG-21 T-96 aircraft, currently the oldest fighter in the IAF inventory. After becoming the Air Force chief, Dhanoa had flew the Mig-21 Type 96 aircraft in January too from the IAF base at Uttarlai, a forward base in Rajasthan.
On this day in 1999, Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja attained martyrdom during Kargil conflict. He was at that time the Flight Commander of 17 Squadron.
Alka Ahuja, the wife of the Late Squadron Leader, was also present and the Dhanoa presented her a plaque of ‘Missing Man’ formation.
The IAF chief also reviewed security and operational preparedness of the base, urged the air force personnel to learn from the past, practise in present and win in the future.
Dahnoa complimented the personnel for their combat readiness.
"The Air Chief urged them to learn from the past, practise in the present, and win in the future," the Indian Air Force said in a statement.
