*NEW DELHI:* The Indian Air Force (IAF) is recommending Wing CommanderAbhinandan Varthaman for the wartime gallantry medal ‘Vir Chakra’ forshooting down an F-16 in aerial conflict with Pakistan.

While Abhinandan has been recommended for the Vir Chakra, the 12 Mirage2000 pilots who bombed targets in Pakistan are being recommended for the’Vayu Sena Medal’ for gallantry for their acts of bravery, governmentsources said.

The Vir Chakra is the third highest gallantry award in the military duringthe times of war after the Param Vir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra.

In the meanwhile, amid concerns over Abhinandan`s security, the IAF hasposted out the ace fighter pilot from Srinagar to another important airbase in the western sector along the Pakistan border.