Abhinandan Varthaman: MiG 21 vs F-16 fighter jet, tea with Pak Army, Vir Chakra - How IAF pilot became a national icon

Hailed as national hero, former Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman has again captured the limelight since news about him joining a private airline surfaced. As per PTI report, the distinguished IAF fighter pilot has joined Goa-based commercial airline FLY91 as a pilot. Former IAF Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman shot to fame after 27 February 2019 India-Pakistan aerial standoff.

Abhinandan Varthaman became a global sensation following India's Balakot airstrike in response to the Pulwama suicide attack in Kashmir in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. In the fierce dogfight, IAF’s Mirage-2000s struck targets in Pakistan’s Balakot.

How IAF's Abhinandan Varthman became a national heartthrob

Posted with a MiG-21 Bison squadron, Varthaman, who was a Wing Commander then, was on ‘operational readiness platform’ duty at air force station Srinagar when a large Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft stormed towards the LoC. Just five minutes after detection, Varthaman scrambled to intercept this package.

Varthaman scripted military aviation history by downing a much more advanced, American-made Pakistani F-16 using an R-73 air-to-air missile onboard Soviet-era MiG-21 Bison. Moments later, his own fighter jet was struck by an AMRAAM missile, forcing him to eject. This episode of aerial combat became famous as it marked the first ever kill of an F-16 by a MiG-21 Bison involving fighter jets of two different generations.

Following this incident, Varthaman became a star and his unique, heavy gunslinger handlebar moustache combined with mutton chops became a national trend. Dubbed the “Abhinandan Cut,” men thronged to barbershops to replicate the look as a tribute to his bravery. Even brands like Amul and Pizza Hut paid tribute to the exceptional gallantry displayed by Varthaman by featuring his iconic moustache silhouette in their advertisements.

Although Varthaman ejected successfully from MiG-21 Bison but he was captured by Pakistani military after he landed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He was held captive for almost 60 hours, it was during this time that a tea with Pakistan episode struck national news. Pakistani authorities had released a video to show they were adhering to the Geneva Convention in which Varthaman was heard saying, “The tea is fantastic, thank you,” while calmly sipping a cup of tea

After keeping Varthaman in custody for nearly three days, Pakistani military released Varthaman on 1 March 2019 as a peace gesture following diplomatic negotiations.

Following this incident, the Indian government honoured Abhinandan Varthaman with Vir Chakra. After Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra is considered India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award.

The PTI report further mentions that Varthaman joined FLY91 airline as a pilot in August. This airline, which has two bases — one in Goa and other in Hyderabad, commenced operations in March 2024 and currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft.