Abhinandan Varthaman
Abhinandan Varthaman | |
|---|---|
Varthaman in September 2018 | |
| Born | 21 June 1983 Tamil Nadu, India |
| Allegiance | India |
| Branch | Indian Air Force |
| Service years | 2004–present |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Service number | 27981 |
| Conflicts | |
| Awards | Vir Chakra |
| Alma mater | Sainik School, Amaravathinagar National Defence Academy |
Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman VrC (born 21 June 1983) is an Indian Air Force officer and fighter pilot. He flew a MiG-21 Bison during an aerial engagement on 27 February 2019, when his aircraft was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force. He was captured by the Pakistan Army after landing in Pakistani territory, approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) from the Line of Control. On 1 March 2019, he was released and returned to India.