IAF Pilot WC Abhinandan to be given gallantry award for imaginary shooting down PAF F16
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*NEW DELHI:* The Indian Air Force (IAF) is recommending Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for the wartime gallantry medal 'Vir Chakra' for shooting down an F-16 in aerial conflict with Pakistan.
While Abhinandan has been recommended for the Vir Chakra, the 12 Mirage 2000 pilots who bombed targets in Pakistan are being recommended for the 'Vayu Sena Medal' for gallantry for their acts of bravery, government sources said.
The Vir Chakra is the third highest gallantry award in the military during the times of war after the Param Vir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra.
In the meanwhile, amid concerns over Abhinandan`s security, the IAF has posted out the ace fighter pilot from Srinagar to another important air base in the western sector along the Pakistan border.