Wing Commander Varun Singh has been conferred with the Shaurya Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind for his act of exceptional bravery, stated the Ministry of Defence (MoD). According to a statement issued by MoD, on October 12, 2020, Wing Commander Varun Singh was flying a system check sortie in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), away from the parent base, after major rectification of the Flight Control System (FCS) and pressurisation system.
During the sortie, the cockpit pressurisation failed at high altitude which was identified by the officer and he initiated a descent to lower altitude for landing. While descending, the FCS failed leading to complete loss of control of the aircraft.
Despite being in a stressful life-threatening situation, Wing Commander Varun maintained an exemplary composure and regained control of the aircraft, thereby exhibiting exceptional flying skills. Soon after, the aircraft again lost control.
“Under such a scenario, the pilot was at liberty to abandon the aircraft. Faced with a potential hazard to his own life, he displayed extraordinary courage and skill to safely land the fighter aircraft. The pilot went beyond the call of duty and landed the aircraft taking calculated risk,” the statement said.
