Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar of the Indian Air Force has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra for displaying exceptional courage, airmanship and presence of mind while recovering a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft from a catastrophic flight control system failure during a night sortie.
The dramatic incident occurred on the night of September 9, 2025, when Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar was flying as the captain and supervisor of a Su-30MKI during a low-level navigation training mission. An under-training pilot was occupying the front cockpit, while Kumar was seated in the rear cockpit supervising the sortie.
During the recovery phase of the mission, the fighter was flying at an altitude of approximately 2.2 kilometres and a speed of nearly 740 kmph when multiple channels of its Fly-By-Wire flight control system reportedly failed. The failure caused the aircraft to enter violent longitudinal oscillations, creating an extremely dangerous situation for both pilots.
The aircraft’s pitch attitude began fluctuating dramatically between approximately 45 degrees nose-up and 15 degrees nose-down. At the same time, the crew experienced severe variations in gravitational forces, ranging from around minus 1.5 g to as high as plus 12 g. The Angle of Attack also increased beyond normal limits, bringing the fighter dangerously close to an uncontrolled aerodynamic condition.
The emergency became even more challenging because it occurred at night, leaving the pilots without a clear external visual reference. The rapidly changing g-forces affected their vision and orientation and significantly increased the risk of losing control of the aircraft.
Despite the extreme physical stress, Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar maintained his situational awareness and took charge of the emergency. He carefully assessed the flight control indications and verified that the Fly-By-Wire red warning light had not illuminated, an observation that became crucial in deciding the next course of action.
Kumar then instructed the pilot in the front cockpit to reset the failed Fly-By-Wire channels using the appropriate controls. Carrying out such a procedure while the aircraft was violently pitching and subjected to rapidly changing g-forces required extraordinary composure and technical understanding.
As the fighter continued to lose airspeed during the oscillations, Squadron Leader Kumar recognised that the situation could rapidly become unrecoverable. He directed the restoration of engine power at the critical moment, helping the aircraft regain the energy required for recovery.
Throughout the emergency, Kumar continued guiding the under-training pilot while himself enduring severe physiological stress caused by the extreme g-loads. His calm instructions and timely decisions helped stabilise the aircraft and prevented what could have become a fatal accident.
The Su-30MKI was eventually recovered successfully and returned safely to base along with both aircrew members. His actions not only saved two lives but also prevented the loss of one of the Indian Air Force’s frontline combat aircraft.
Recognising his exceptional bravery and professional competence, President Droupadi Murmu approved the award of the Shaurya Chakra to Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar as part of the gallantry awards announced on the eve of Independence Day 2026.
Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar is an experienced fighter pilot and supervisor with more than 1,300 hours of flying experience. He serves with a frontline Su-30MKI squadron of the Indian Air Force and was performing the crucial responsibility of supervising a trainee pilot when the emergency occurred.
The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, two-seat multirole fighter and remains one of the principal combat aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. Its sophisticated digital flight control system continuously interprets pilot inputs and commands the aircraft’s control surfaces, making a multiple-channel Fly-By-Wire failure an exceptionally serious emergency.
Recovering such a fighter from a major flight control malfunction at night, while operating at comparatively low altitude and high speed, represents one of the most demanding situations a combat pilot can encounter. The rapid movement between negative and extremely high positive g-forces can impair vision, orientation and consciousness within seconds.
Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar’s ability to diagnose the problem, issue the correct instructions and manage the aircraft’s energy while simultaneously supervising another pilot demonstrated the high level of training and professionalism expected from Indian Air Force fighter aircrew.
The Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry decorations, recognises acts of exceptional courage performed otherwise than in the face of the enemy. In Kumar’s case, the award acknowledges courage displayed against a potentially catastrophic airborne emergency where seconds separated a successful recovery from disaster.
Public information about Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar’s personal background remains limited, as is often the case with serving military personnel. However, the details released regarding the September 2025 incident highlight an extraordinary example of technical competence, leadership and courage under extreme pressure.
For defence aspirants, Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar’s actions demonstrate that military aviation demands far more than flying skills alone. Detailed knowledge of aircraft systems, disciplined decision-making, physical endurance and the ability to remain calm during an apparently uncontrollable emergency can ultimately determine whether an aircraft and its crew return home safely.
His successful recovery of the Su-30MKI stands as a remarkable example of Indian Air Force airmanship and underscores the professionalism of those entrusted with operating some of India’s most advanced combat aircraft.
