The India Air Force (IAF) has recommended Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for the 'Vir Chakra'. Abhinandan has been recommended by the IAF for shooting down an F-16.

The Vir Chakra is a wartime gallantry medal and is the third highest gallantry award in the military. Apart from Abhinandan, the 12 Mirage 2000 pilots who bombed targets in Pakistan are being recommended for the 'Vayu Sena' Medal for their acts of bravery.

Meanwhile, government sources said that Wing Commander Abhinandan has been posted out from Srinagar to another important air base in the western sector along the Pakistan border and he would soon be moving to his new place of posting.

Notably, Abhinandan had shot down an F-16 aircraft from his MiG-21 aircraft on February 27 during aerial conflict with Pakistan.