Flight Lieutenant Subramaniam Muhilan VM

On 28 May 1999, at the height of the Kargil conflict, Flt Lt S Muhilan was detailed for a crucial combat mission to launch a live strike against enemy positions at Point 5140 in the Dras sub-sector. The objective lay at a daunting altitude of approximately 5.1 kilometres, where enemy forces were firmly entrenched on dominating heights, posing a grave threat to advancing Indian ground troops. The helicopter crew comprised Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir as the Captain, Sergeant Raj Kishore Sahu as the Flight Engineer, and Sergeant PVNR Prasad as the Flight Gunner. Operating as a cohesive and highly trained team, they were tasked with neutralising fortified enemy positions that were tactically significant to the ongoing operations. Flt Lt Muhilan and his crew were fully aware of the extreme dangers associated with the mission. The operational area was heavily defended and known to be infested with shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, including the lethal Stinger. The threat environment was further aggravated by the absence of suitable onboard countermeasure systems on their helicopter, leaving it vulnerable to missile attacks. Despite these formidable risks and fully conscious of the potential consequences, Flt Lt Muhilan and his crew displayed exceptional resolve and were prepared to carry out the mission in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. Despite this significant vulnerability, and understanding the operational urgency of neutralising the enemy stronghold, he displayed remarkable resolve and accepted the mission without hesitation. Executing the strike with characteristic precision and determination, he successfully pressed home the attack on the designated target. However, during the breakaway manoeuvre after completing the assault, his helicopter was struck by a Stinger missile. Even after sustaining critical damage, Flt Lt Muhilan made every possible effort to regain control of the aircraft.

Despite his skill and determination, the damage proved catastrophic, and the helicopter crashed, resulting in the loss of Flt Lt Muhilan and all his crew members. Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir, Flight Sergeant PVNR Prasad, and Sergeant Raj Kishore Sahu. Prior to this mission, Flt Lt Muhilan had already undertaken three strike sorties in the treacherous and high-altitude terrain of the Dras sub-sector. Each of these missions achieved significant success, inflicting substantial damage on enemy positions and paving the way for the subsequent recapture of key objectives by Indian ground forces. His actions materially contributed to easing the advance of the Army in an extremely challenging operational environment. Throughout these operations, Flt Lt Muhilan demonstrated exceptional courage, unwavering commitment to duty, and a very high standard of professional competence. His conduct reflected the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force, exemplifying bravery in the face of overwhelming odds and complete disregard for personal safety in the service of the nation. In recognition of his conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice at the age of 27 years, Flt Lt S Muhilan was awarded the ‘Vayu Sena Medal’ (Posthumous).