Young IAF Pilot Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans Awarded Shaurya Chakra for Daring MiG-29 Recovery

A young Indian Air Force pilot has been decorated with a Shaurya Chakra, India's third highest 'peacetime' gallantry award, for his safe recovery of a damaged MiG-29 fighter last year.
On 28 Mar 24, Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans was authorized to fly on MiG-29 aircraft by towards Exercise Gagan Shakti-24. He felt a sudden blast in the cockpit after flying time of 20 minutes, when he had flown to the height of 28,000 feet. The canopy of his aircraft had flown off, leaving him exposed to harsh weather conditions at minus 35° - 40°C temperatures, but he kept cool and took hold of the aircraft soon, made a declaration over the radio control about the emergency and took immediate decision to land the aircraft at the nearest airbase. His prompt actions and exemplary situational awareness led to the recovery of the aircraft which otherwise could have been catastrophic, leading to loss of an asset to the IAF and collateral damage to civilian property. For an act of exceptional courage, displaying indomitable valour and exemplary gallantry beyond call of duty, Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans is awarded with 'Shaurya Chakra'.
Source: NDTV, LiveFistDefense