The Lone Hero Who Defended Srinagar Airbase
On December 14, 1971, when six Pakistani F-86 Sabre jets suddenly attacked Srinagar Airbase, the extraordinary bravery of one Indian Air Force officer created history. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is the only Indian Air Force officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.
Early Life and Military Career
Born on July 17, 1943 in Isewal village near Ludhiana, Punjab, Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon’s life was inspiring from the start. His father, M.W.O. Tarlok Singh Sekhon, also served in the Air Force, which sparked his childhood fascination with aviation.
He left his engineering studies midway to pursue his dreams and was commissioned into the Air Force on June 4, 1967. In October 1968, he joined No. 18 Squadron, “The Flying Bullets.”
The Historic Battle of December 14, 1971
How the Attack Happened
During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, Srinagar Airbase was of immense strategic importance. On the morning of December 14, 1971, six F-86 Sabre jets of the Pakistan Air Force’s 26th Squadron took off to bomb Srinagar Airbase. At the time, there was dense fog, which helped the Pakistani aircraft remain concealed.
Flying Officer Sekhon was on “immediate readiness” duty – ready to take off within two minutes.
An Example of Bravery
As soon as the “scramble” alert sounded, Sekhon took off in a Folland Gnat fighter aircraft without delay. His companion, Flight Lieutenant Ghumman, lost visual contact due to the dust, leaving Sekhon to face the enemy alone.
Alone against six Pakistani jets, Sekhon displayed remarkable skill and courage. He shot down one Pakistani Sabre and severely damaged another, which fled trailing smoke.
The Final Stand
Four more Pakistani aircraft joined the fight, completely surrounding Sekhon. Despite this, he did not lose courage and engaged in a fierce dogfight at treetop height. Ultimately, due to the overwhelming numerical difference, his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire and he was martyred. However, his bravery forced the enemy to retreat without bombing the airbase or the city.
Even the Enemy Praised Him
Sekhon’s bravery was so extraordinary that Pakistani pilot Salim Baig Mirza also praised him:
"The way he came between our six jets and engaged us was astonishing. The courage and control with which he shot down two aircraft – such pilots are rare."
Param Vir Chakra Honour
Flying Officer Sekhon was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra on January 26, 1972. He received this honour for “supreme bravery, remarkable skill, and dedication to duty.” He remains the only Param Vir Chakra awardee from the Indian Air Force.
Strategic Importance of This Battle
Due to Sekhon’s bravery:
Srinagar Airbase was saved from heavy damage
Morale of Indian forces was boosted
Superiority of Indian Air Force training and courage was proven
Pakistani aircraft had to return without achieving their objectives
Legacy and Remembrance
Today, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is remembered as:
The only Param Vir Chakra awardee of the Indian Air Force
A symbol of sacrifice and courage
An inspiration for future air warriors
His village Isewal, Punjab, takes immense pride in his legacy
Why is this important for your exam preparation?
This topic is highly important for UPSC and other competitive exams for the following reasons:
For UPSC Mains:
Defence and Strategic Studies: Acts of bravery in wars and their strategic impact
Modern Indian History: 1971 Indo-Pakistan War and its heroes
Ethics and Integrity: Example of duty and sacrifice
Internal Security: Role of the Air Force and border security
For UPSC Prelims:
Important personalities: Heroes of Indian military history
Honours and Awards: Facts about the Param Vir Chakra
1971 War facts: Dates, locations, outcomes
Indian Air Force: Squadrons, aircraft, operations
From a Current Affairs Perspective:
July 17: Sekhon’s birth anniversary
December 14: Martyrdom day
Vijay Diwas (December 16): 1971 war victory celebrations
Defence modernization: Lessons from historical wars
Key Points:
Only Param Vir Chakra awardee of the Indian Air Force
Battle of December 14, 1971
Historic dogfight: one versus six aircraft
Folland Gnat vs Pakistani F-86 Sabre
Defence of Srinagar Airbase
No. 18 Squadron – The Flying Bullets
Posthumous award on January 26, 1972
This episode not only highlights the greatness of India’s defence policy and military tradition but is also extremely important for current affairs, historical, and ethics-related questions in competitive exams.
Click here for related articles on Atharva Examwise
External References:
Param Vir Chakra Winners - PIB
Indian Air Force Official Website
“Why this matters for your exam preparation”
Questions on Indian military history, gallantry awards, the 1971 war, and ethics are regularly asked in UPSC, State PCS, CDS, NDA, SSC, and other exams.
This incident is not only a symbol of bravery but also clarifies the contribution of the Indian Air Force and the strategic understanding of national security.
Sekhon’s example can be cited in your answers in the context of ethics, leadership, and duty, making your responses more impactful.
