The Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who were part of the February 26 Balakot air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan and the air engagement a day after have been awarded gallantry medals on the eve of Independence Day. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has been awarded Vir Chakra (VrC), the country’s third-highest gallantry award. During a dogfight, he shot down a Pakistani F-16.
Source : https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/vir-chakra-for-abhinandan/article29097864.ece