IAF commander who shot down Pak jet after Balakot strikes joins private airline
Abhinandan Varthaman, a former Indian Air Force Group Captain known for his role in the 2019 Balakot air strikes, has joined the regional airline FLY91 as a pilot. Varthaman, a Vir Chakra awardee, transitioned to commercial aviation following a distinguished military career.
Why it matters
The career move of a high-profile military figure into the private aviation sector is a significant human-interest story in India.
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot.Varthaman, who became widely known after shooting down a Pakistani fighter during an aerial engagement in 2019 before being captured by Pakistan, joined the airline in August.His move to commercial aviation comes after a distinguished career in the IAF, including his role in the aerial combat that followed India's Balakot air strikes.On February 26, 2019, the IAF carried out an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed facility in Balakot, Pakistan, days after a terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama killed 40 personnel.The following day, Pakistani fighter jets attempted to launch an…
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