Squadron Leader Prashant Singh Tomar

Squadron Leader Prashant Singh Tomar hailed from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and was born into a family deeply rooted in the values of service and dedication. Son of an Army veteran, Subedar Umesh Singh (Retd), who later ventured into business, and Smt Brijesh Devi. He shared a close bond with his sister, Nivedita, and grew up in an environment that instilled in him discipline, integrity, and a strong sense of patriotism from an early age. He completed his schooling in Dehradun before pursuing a degree in Electrical and Communication Engineering from the THDC Institute of Hydropower Engineering and Technology (IHET), Tehri. During his academic years, he demonstrated both technical aptitude and leadership qualities. Although he secured placement with a multinational company upon graduation, his aspirations extended beyond a corporate career. Driven by a lifelong desire to serve the nation, he chose the path of military service, ultimately earning a commission as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force in 2020.

He got trained as a transport pilot, and following the successful completion of his flying training, he received his first posting at Chandigarh. In the formative years of his career, he gained valuable experience operating a range of aircraft and steadily established himself as a proficient and dependable aviator. Known among his peers and superiors for his professionalism, calm demeanour, and unwavering commitment to duty, he consistently embodied the core values of the Indian Air Force. His passion for flying, ability to perform under pressure, and dedication to excellence earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sqn Ldr Prashant was a devoted family man. On 23 November 2023, he married Ms Aishwarya Singh, beginning a new chapter in his life while continuing to serve the nation with the same dedication and sense of purpose that had defined his journey.

Operational Air Mission (Jorhat -Assam): 13 Jun 2026

During June 2026, Squadron Leader Prashant Singh Tomar was serving with 43 Squadron of the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jorhat, Assam. The chequered history of No. 43 Squadron, "The Ibexes", began on 20 January 1958, when the unit was raised at Barrackpore. The squadron was initially equipped with the rugged and reliable Dakota aircraft, affectionately known as the "Gooney Bird." Its first Commanding Officer was Wing Commander MK Nerurkar. The squadron adopted the Ibex as its emblem, symbolizing resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome the formidable challenges posed by the rugged Himalayan terrain. Much like the mountain goat that fearlessly navigates cliffs and inhospitable landscapes, the squadron has consistently demonstrated courage and perseverance in demanding operational environments. Over the years, the squadron underwent several relocations. On 1 September 1965, it moved from Srinagar to Ambala, and subsequently to Sarsawa, where it remained until 1967. Thereafter, the squadron was relocated to Jorhat, which became its long-standing operational base. A major milestone in the squadron's history came in September 1984, when it transitioned from the Dakota to the more modern Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, substantially enhancing its operational capabilities.

In 2026, the squadron operated the AN-32, a twin-engine turboprop transport aircraft widely employed for a variety of operational and logistical missions, particularly in the challenging terrain of India's North-Eastern region. As an experienced and highly skilled transport aircraft pilot, Squadron Leader Tomar was entrusted with significant operational responsibilities and consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and dedication expected of an officer of the Indian Air Force. Flying in the North-Eastern sector demands exceptional airmanship and sound judgment. Rugged mountains, deep valleys, unpredictable weather patterns, and limited margins for error characterize the region. Such demanding conditions require pilots to possess not only advanced flying skills but also the courage and determination to undertake missions in support of national objectives. Squadron Leader Tomar had acquired the experience, expertise, and operational maturity necessary to successfully execute such challenging tasks and had earned the respect and confidence of both his superiors and fellow air warriors.

On 13 June 2026, Squadron Leader Prashant Singh Tomar was tasked with an important air support mission along with five fellow Air Force personnel. Besides Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, the crew comprised Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam, forming a dedicated and professional team committed to the successful execution of their assigned mission in the service of the nation. As planned, the AN-32 aircraft departed from Air Force Station Jorhat on a operational sortie to Chabua Air Force Base. All personnel were on board when the aircraft later undertook its return flight. At approximately 10:00 a.m., while attempting to land at Air Force Station Jorhat, the AN-32 aircraft met with an accident. During the landing phase, it skidded off the runway, veered into the grassy area adjacent to the runway, nosed into a ditch, and subsequently burst into flames. Despite the routine nature of the sortie, the accident proved catastrophic. Tragically, the aircraft was engulfed in fire following the crash, resulting in the loss of all Air Force personnel on board, while the co-pilot survived with serious injuries. The nation mourns the sacrifice of these brave air warriors, who were serving with dedication and commitment to duty.

The accident claimed the lives of five dedicated air warriors who had willingly placed themselves in harm's way in the service of the nation. Among them was Squadron Leader Prashant Singh Tomar, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while serving India. His sacrifice stands as a solemn reminder of the risks routinely undertaken by members of the armed forces to safeguard national interests and provide operational support under demanding conditions. Squadron Leader Tomar is remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and subordinates as an exceptional officer whose courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty defined his character. A dedicated aviator and dependable leader, he consistently placed service before self and carried out every responsibility with sincerity, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. Throughout his career, he exemplified the values of integrity, discipline, and selfless service that form the bedrock of the Indian Air Force.  His leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh Tomar is survived by his wife Smt  Aishwarya Singh, father, Subedar Umesh Singh (Retd), and mother, Smt Brijesh Devi. and sister Smt Nivedita.

Tribute by his wife, Smt  Aishwarya Singh

My Journey with Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh:

I am a lawyer from Delhi, and my journey with Prashant began through an arranged marriage. What started as a formal introduction soon blossomed into a deep bond built on mutual respect, understanding, and love. On 23 November 2023, we got married and began our life together, looking forward to a future filled with shared dreams and endless possibilities.

Prashant was not just an Indian Air Force pilot; he was a kind-hearted, cheerful, and compassionate person who touched the lives of everyone he met. He had an infectious smile, a positive outlook on life, and an unwavering commitment to both his loved ones and his duty to the nation. After our marriage, we spent our first year together in Chandigarh, where he was posted. It was there that we built our first home and created countless memories that I will cherish forever. In September 2024, we moved to Jorhat, Assam, excited to begin another chapter of our journey together. Like every Air Force family, we embraced new places, new experiences, and the unique life that comes with serving the nation.

Flying was Prashant's greatest passion. The skies were where he felt most alive, and serving the country in uniform was a responsibility he carried with immense pride and dedication. He loved what he did, and he gave his very best to it every single day. Even now, it is difficult to comprehend that he is no longer physically with us. There are moments when it still feels as though he has simply gone on a sortie and will return home, just as he always did. We had so many plans for the future, so many dreams yet to be fulfilled, but I remain grateful for every moment we shared.

While the nation remembers Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh as a brave officer who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of his country, I remember him as my husband—my partner, my source of strength, and the person who filled my life with love, laughter, and happiness. Though our time together was far too short, his values, his spirit, and the memories we created will stay with me forever.

Forever loved, forever missed, forever remembered.

Aishwarya Singh