Netflix’s Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story, released on 7 August 2026, brings the Indian Air Force’s role in the Kargil War to the screen through the experiences of No. 17 Squadron, famously known as the Golden Arrows. The six-episode series explores the challenges faced by IAF pilots during Operation Safed Sagar and recreates the stories of several officers who served during the conflict.
Directed by Oni Sen and created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava, the series features Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina and Arnav Bhasin in key roles. While the series presents a dramatised account of events, its central characters are inspired by real IAF personnel whose service during and after the Kargil conflict forms an important part of India’s military history.
Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja
Siddharth portrays Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, who served as Flight Commander of the Golden Arrows during the Kargil conflict. Ahuja became one of the most remembered IAF officers of the war following a mission on 27 May 1999.
Ahuja was flying a MiG-21 while attempting to locate a missing pilot when his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile. He successfully ejected from the aircraft but did not return. Indian authorities subsequently stated that Ahuja survived the ejection but was killed after being captured. His body was returned to India the following day, and the post-mortem reportedly recorded bullet wounds and other injuries. Pakistan disputed India’s account of the circumstances surrounding his death.
Ahuja was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra in recognition of his courage and service during the conflict.
Wing Commander B.S. “Tony” Dhanoa
Jimmy Shergill portrays Wing Commander Birender Singh Dhanoa, popularly known as Tony Dhanoa, who commanded the Golden Arrows during the Kargil War.
As the conflict intensified in 1999, Dhanoa moved the squadron to Srinagar, from where its aircraft conducted reconnaissance and operational missions over the mountainous Kargil sector. He also participated in early missions over strategically important areas, including Tiger Hill and Tololing.
His leadership during the conflict earned him the Yudh Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal. Dhanoa subsequently rose through the senior ranks of the IAF and became Chief of the Air Staff in 2016. He retired in 2019 as Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa.
Flying Officer Rajpal Singh “Dhali” Dhaliwal
Abhay Verma plays Flying Officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal, known by his call sign “Dhali”. He was among the young pilots of the Golden Arrows who participated in the demanding air operations during the Kargil War.
One of the defining aspects of his service was his participation in night-strike operations. According to IAF gallantry award records, Dhaliwal had only about 46 hours of night-flying experience and had not previously trained for specialised night strikes when he was called upon to undertake these missions.
Despite the demanding circumstances, he successfully completed four operational night missions during Operation Safed Sagar. He was subsequently awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry.
Dhaliwal later rose to the rank of Wing Commander and served with the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team. He died in an aircraft accident in 2009 while serving with the team.
Flying Officer C.H. Bal Reddy “Baldy”
Mihir Ahuja portrays Flying Officer C.H. Bal Reddy, known as “Baldy”. He was serving with the Golden Arrows at Bathinda when the Kargil War began.
While most of the squadron and its aircraft moved towards Srinagar, Reddy initially remained at Bathinda to undertake administrative responsibilities and assist in manning the Operational Readiness Platform. He later travelled to Srinagar, where the Golden Arrows were conducting operations.
Reddy’s story became closely connected with Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja following the loss of Ahuja’s aircraft. He was among the personnel involved in identifying the body that was subsequently brought back from the Kargil sector.
Flight Lieutenant Jitendra “Sangy” Sangwan
Taaruk Raina portrays Flight Lieutenant Jitendra “Sangy” Sangwan, another member of the generation of fighter pilots whose careers were shaped by the Kargil conflict.
According to Indian Air Force records, Jitendra Singh Sangwan was commissioned into the fighter stream in June 1995. He subsequently continued his career in the IAF and eventually rose to the rank of Wing Commander.
His portrayal in the series represents the experiences of the young fighter pilots who operated in an exceptionally demanding environment during the Kargil War.
Flying Officer Amit “Goofy” Gupta
Arnav Bhasin portrays Flying Officer Amit “Goofy” Gupta, another young officer associated with the Golden Arrows during the conflict.
Gupta is portrayed alongside Dhaliwal, Bal Reddy and Sangwan as part of the group of young officers serving under the leadership of Dhanoa and Ahuja. Their stories highlight the camaraderie and professional responsibilities shared by the pilots during one of the most challenging periods in India’s recent military history.
Operation Safed Sagar
Operation Safed Sagar was the Indian Air Force’s air campaign during the Kargil War and involved reconnaissance, interdiction and precision-strike missions against Pakistani positions in some of the world’s most difficult high-altitude terrain.
The IAF faced significant operational challenges because of the extreme altitude and mountainous geography of the Kargil region. Pilots had to operate aircraft in demanding conditions while identifying and engaging targets located on steep mountain positions.
The campaign demonstrated the importance of air reconnaissance, intelligence, precision weapon employment and close coordination between air and ground forces. The experience also contributed to subsequent improvements in India’s air-war preparedness and operational doctrines.
Bringing the Heroes to a New Generation
By dramatising the experiences of the Golden Arrows, Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story introduces a new generation of viewers to the men who participated in the IAF’s air operations during the Kargil War.
The stories of Ajay Ahuja, B.S. Dhanoa, Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal, C.H. Bal Reddy, Jitendra Sangwan and Amit Gupta provide a human perspective on Operation Safed Sagar, highlighting not only combat operations but also courage, leadership, sacrifice and the bonds between fellow air warriors.
The Netflix series therefore serves as a reminder that behind the aircraft, missions and military operations of the Kargil War were individual officers who faced extraordinary risks in the service of the nation.
