Abhinav Chaudhary

Biography

Squadron Leader Abhinav Chaudhary hailed from Pusar village in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. Drawn to a life of service in the skies, he joined the Indian Air Force and was commissioned in 2014 after completing his training at the Air Force Academy. He qualified as a fighter pilot and went on to serve with No. 23 Squadron, the 'Panthers', flying the MiG-21 Bison. By May 2021, Squadron Leader Chaudhary had completed about seven years of service and had established himself as a capable and dedicated fighter pilot. On the night of 20-21 May 2021, he was detailed for a scheduled night training sortie from Air Force Station Suratgarh. During the flight, his MiG-21 Bison developed a serious technical malfunction. It is believed that, before ejecting, Squadron Leader Chaudhary displayed exceptional presence of mind and flying skill, attempting to steer the stricken aircraft away from populated areas. He ejected from the aircraft but sustained severe injuries in the process, and later succumbed to them, laying down his life in the service of the nation.