Captain SN Khurana

Captain Sada Nand Khurana hailed from Panipat district in Haryana and was the son of Shri Diwanchand Khurana. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in values of service and dedication to the nation. His brother, DN Khurana, also went on to serve in the Indian Army and rose to the rank of Major, reflecting the family’s strong military lineage. From an early age, Captain Khurana was inspired by the idea of serving the nation in uniform. This aspiration strengthened over the years, eventually shaping into a clear and unwavering goal. After completing his education, he fulfilled this dream by joining the Indian Army and was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery.

His professionalism, aptitude, and growing interest in aviation motivated him to volunteer for flying duties. He subsequently underwent specialized training and qualified as a pilot, joining the elite cadre responsible for aerial reconnaissance, observation, and critical wartime support missions. By the time the Indo-Pak War of 1965 approached, Captain S N Khurana had matured into a highly skilled and confident pilot, trained to execute diverse and high-risk aerial operations with precision. 

Army Air Support Operation: 06 Sept 1965

In September 1965, Captain SN Khurana was serving with 659 Air OP(Observation Post) Squadron. In 1965, the Air Observation Post (Air OP) comprised two squadron headquarters and nine fixed-wing flights. Of these, three Air OP flights were equipped with Pushpak aircraft, which had been loaned by the Punjab Government from their flying clubs. The remaining flights operated Auster Mark-I aircraft. By 1965, during the Indo–Pak War, the squadron was actively deployed on the Western Front, undertaking vital aviation support missions for ground forces engaged along the Line of Control (LOC) and beyond. The 659 Air OP Squadron operated under the overall operational control of XI Corps, which was responsible for the Punjab sector during the 1965 conflict. XI Corps had three major formations deployed along key axes: 15 Infantry Division in the Amritsar sector, 7 Infantry Division along the Khalra–Barki axis, and 4 Mountain Division in the Khemkaran area.

When XI Corps launched its offensive in the Punjab sector on 6 September 1965, 659 Air OP Squadron played a critical role in supporting the ground forces. The squadron undertook numerous air support missions, providing essential aerial observation and artillery correction, which were vital for the accuracy and effectiveness of the Indian Army’s firepower. To ensure seamless coordination, each formation was allotted an Air OP flight, tasked with directly supporting its respective ground operations. Through these missions, 659 Air OP Squadron significantly enhanced situational awareness, facilitated precise targeting, and contributed to the overall success of the corps-level operations in the Punjab sector. As a trained pilot, Captain Khurana played a crucial operational role. His duties involved flying Air Observation, communication, and supply missions in support of troops stationed in forward and often inaccessible locations. These operations required exceptional flying skills, courage, and precision, especially given the combat environment and challenging mountainous terrain.

On 06 September 1965, Captain SN Khurana was tasked with another operational flying mission in support of ongoing ground operation. Operating under the urgency and intensity of wartime conditions, he took off as planned to carry out the assignment. During this mission, circumstances turned fatal, and Captain Khurana lost his life in the line of duty. His untimely passing marked the loss of a talented aviator and a dedicated officer who had already earned deep respect for his professionalism, flying skill, and unwavering devotion to service. He laid down his life while serving the nation, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army and Army Aviation.

Captain Sada Nand Khurana is survived by his brother, Major DN Khurana (Retd), who also served the nation with honour in the Indian Army.