Squadron leader Ajay Ahuja was a fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force who was killed in action during the Kargil War between India and Pakistan in 1999.
12 Facts About Ajay Ahuja
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Ajay Ahuja's MiG-21 was hit by a surface-to-air missile fired by the Pakistan Army near the town of Kargil in the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Ajay Ahuja was born on 22 May 1963 in Kota, Rajasthan, India.
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Ajay Ahuja attended Saint Paul's Senior Secondary School, a renowned missionary school for boys.
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Ajay Ahuja graduated from the Indian National Defence Academy and was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 14 June 1985.
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Ajay Ahuja was promoted to the rank of squadron leader on 14 June 1996.
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In 1997, Ajay Ahuja was posted to the Killi Bhisiana Airbase in Bhatinda, Punjab.
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On 27 May 1999, as part of Operation Safed Sagar during Kargil War, Squadron leader Ajay Ahuja was undertaking a photo reconnaissance mission.
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Squadron leader Ajay Ahuja stayed over enemy positions to help the rescue attempts knowing full well the existence of enemy surface-to-air missiles in the area.
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On 29 May 1999, Ajay Ahuja's body was flown to a local Air Force station by the Indian Air Force.
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Ajay Ahuja remains a great hero for Indians, and his widow and family are often honored guests at patriotic public events and official ceremonies.
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On 15 August 1999, India's 52nd anniversary of Independence, Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was awarded the Vir Chakra shortly after his death which is one of India's highest gallantry honours for military personnel.