Wing Commander Abhinandan has been conferred the Vir Chakra

Wing Commander Abhinandan VArthaman has been conferrerd the Vir Chakra. It is India's third highest Gallantry Award.On February 27, Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison Jet was shot down in fight with Pakistan. Before his jet was shot down, he had destroyed F-16 Fighter Jet of Pakistan's Air Force.

On March 1, Abhinandan was released by Pakistan.
On this Independence Day, 180 Gallantry awards have been announced by the Government for Central Armed Police Forces and 132 awards for Paramilitary Forces.
 The Indian Air Force got 13 awards including 5 Yudh Seva Medals and 7 Vayu Sena Medals.