Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena had created history two decades ago, by being the Indian Air Forces (IAF) first female pilot to be deployed to a theatre of war. With now 20 years have passed since the Kargil Conflict, Bollywood has announced the brave pilot’s biopic, which is due to release next year.
Flew Supply And CASEVAC Missions In Kargil
Flight Lt. Saxena flew countless supply missions and casualty evacuation operations (CASEVAC) in Kargil operations.
Second Generation Military
Gunjan was an army brat and grew up living in army cantonments in various parts of the country.
Part of the IAF’s first batch of female pilots
She was inducted into the Indian Air Force as part of the flying branches the first batch of lady officers.
Dodged Pakistani Missiles in Kargil
Flight Lt. Saxena brushed with death experiencing several close calls in during her time in Kargil. Her cheetah helicopter dodged a Pakistani army missile attack, narrowly cheating death.
The Flying Ace Was Awarded For Gallantry.
Flight Lt. Gunjan Saxena was conferred the Shaurya Chakra for her steely resolve and ingenuity in the face of the enemy. He gallant actions replenished the essential supplies required by the fighting troops and her prompt medical evacuations despite heavy fire saved the lives of countless numerous soldiers, many of whom would not have come returned if it was not for her valour.
Flight Lt. Gunjan Saxena, is an Air Warrior, and an inspiration to the youth of the country, and the thousands of young women who are looking serve the nation as protectors of the skies.
