Satish Bharadwaj

Biography

Flight Lieutenant Satish Bharadwaj hailed from Delhi and was born in 1940. He studied at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, in New Delhi, and from an early age was passionate about joining the Air Force. He was selected for the prestigious National Defence Academy and joined the 18th NDA Course, passing out on 1 June 1960. He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 19 December 1961 at the age of 21 in the flying stream, training as a fighter pilot with the 80th Pilots' Course. After completing his flying training he served with various flying squadrons at different Air Force bases, and by 1965 had put in about four years of service, evolving into a professionally competent fighter pilot. In 1965 Flt Lt Bharadwaj was serving with 45 Squadron, the "Flying Daggers", which operated De Havilland Vampire fighter-bomber aircraft. As war clouds gathered with Pakistan, the squadron under Squadron Leader Sudesh Kumar Dhar moved from Pune to Pathankot. On 1 September 1965 Pakistan launched a full-scale armoured attack in the Akhnoor area, with some 70 tanks and two infantry brigades racing across the Akhnoor bridge to sever the Indian Army's lifeline to Rajauri, Jhangar, Naushera and Poonch. In response to the call for air support, the Vampires of 45 Squadron were tasked with offensive missions against the enemy armour. Flt Lt Bharadwaj was detailed for the second mission along with Sqn Ldr AK Bhagwagar, Flt Lt VM Joshi and Flt Lt WS Sondhi. As they attacked the enemy armour, they were engaged by technologically superior, Sidewinder-armed PAF Sabre jets of No. 5 and No. 15 Squadrons. Displaying courage and professional skill of a very high order, Flt Lt Bharadwaj and his comrades continued to fight. In the fierce air combat three Vampires were lost, and Flt Lt Satish Bharadwaj laid down his life at the age of 25 in the service of the nation.