Abhinandan Varthaman, Who Shot Down Pakistan's F-16 Jet After Pulwama Attack, Joins Private Airline

Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down a Pakistani F-16 during an aerial fight earlier in 2019, has retired from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and joined private airline FLY91, reported news agency PTI, citing sources. Varthaman has reportedly joined a Goa-based regional airline as a pilot upon ending his services with the air force.

Varthaman Joins Private Airline 

As per the report, the former wing commander had joined the private airline in August; however, Varthaman has not released any official statement on his decision. Apart from this, a FLY91 spokesperson also refused to disclose any detail regarding his joining, reported NDTV. As per the reports, the aircraft began operation earlier in 2024 and currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft.

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Varthaman came into prominence in 2019 after he downed a Pakistani F-16 jet during the air combat. However, he was also held captive for three days in Islamabad after his aircraft crashed during the fight. Varthaman was honored with the Vir Chakra award in 2021 for his brave efforts in the military conflict with the neighboring nation.

How He Shot Down Pak's F-16?

Earlier in February 2019, the Indian Air Force launched precise attacks on the terror sites located in Pakistan after the death of 40 CRPF personnel in a bomb attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The reports suggested that Pakistan-based outfits were responsible for the attack, leading to the escalation.

A crucial moment came in the military conflict when Pakistan held Varthaman captive for three days after his aircraft fell down during the confrontation. Varthaman also sustained injuries during the crash; however, the fighter pilot refused to provide any military detail to Pakistani officials. He was later released on the night of March 1 under military and diplomatic pressure from India.

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Abhinandan Varthaman was later conferred the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal, for showing his resilience during the military conflict.