Service No : 22739-A F(P)

Date of Birth : March 8, 1972

Place of birth : Belagavi Dist (K'taka)

Service : Air Force

Last Rank : Flight Lieutenant

Unit : 152 HU

Arm/Regt : Indian Air Force

Operation : Op Safed Sagar

Awards : Vayu Sena Medal

Martyrdom : May 28, 1999

Flight Lieutenant Subramaniam Muhilan VM

Flight Lieutenant Subramaniam Mulihan was born on 08 March 1972 in Belagavi district of Karnataka. Raised in a region known for its strong tradition of military service, he pursued his academic education with equal dedication and completed his Bachelor’s degree at Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute, run by Karnataka Lingayat Education (K.L.E.) Society in Belagavi in July 1992. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a passion for flying, he appeared for and successfully cleared the Combined Defence Services Examination, thereafter joining the Indian Air Force as a cadet. On 18 December 1993, at the young age of 21, he was commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force. He underwent specialised training as a helicopter pilot as part of the 152 Pilots' Course. His rigorous training laid a strong professional foundation, equipping him with the skills and discipline required for demanding operational roles.

 

In the initial years of his service, Flt Lt Muhilan served in various helicopter units, steadily building his flying experience and operational expertise. On 02 March 1998, he was posted to 152 Helicopter Unit, a formation operating the versatile and powerful Mil Mi-17 helicopters. This platform was extensively employed in challenging missions, including high-altitude operations and combat support roles. An exceptionally passionate and committed officer, Flt Lt Muhilan accumulated over 1,250 hours of flying experience during his career. He was widely regarded as one of the finest marksmen in aerial rocketry, demonstrating remarkable precision and composure under pressure. Professionally competent and tactically sound, he was qualified to fly both the Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, gaining valuable operational exposure across diverse terrains and weather conditions. His intimate familiarity with high-altitude flying and combat operations made him a significant asset to the Indian Air Force. Known for his accuracy in delivering lethal firepower against well-entrenched enemy positions, Flt Lt Muhilan exemplified courage, skill, and unwavering dedication to duty. After a few years, Flt Lt Muhilan got married to Ms Beena Muhilan, and the couple was blessed with a son, Dhruv.

Operation Safed Sagar: 28 May 1999

 

In May 1999, Flt Lt S Muhilan was serving with the No. 152 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force. The unit had originally been raised on 14 September 1988 at Air Force Station Sarsawa with Wing Commander Ronald Banerjee as its first 'Commanding Officer'. It was designated No. 152 Helicopter Unit and adopted the nickname “Mighty Armours” along with the motto “Apatsu Mitram” — meaning “A friend in time of need.” The motto aptly reflected the squadron’s ethos of constant readiness, resilience, and dependable support during both operational and humanitarian missions. From its inception, the unit was equipped with the Mil Mi-17, one of the most versatile medium-lift helicopters in the IAF inventory. These aircraft enabled the squadron to undertake a wide spectrum of roles, including tactical troop transport, logistics supply, casualty evacuation, and support to ground forces. Throughout the early to mid-1990s, under a succession of experienced commanding officers, the unit steadily strengthened its operational base. It focused on building proficiency in transport, airlift, and tactical missions, while maintaining high standards of training and flight safety. During this period, the squadron routinely carried out peacetime tasks such as troop and equipment movement, logistic support, and participation in joint exercises and operational training activities. By the late 1990s, No. 152 Helicopter Unit had matured into a fully operational and combat-ready helicopter unit, well-trained for high-risk missions. During the 1999 Kargil conflict — code-named Operation Safed Sagar by the Indian Air Force — the unit played an active and demanding combat support role, operating in challenging mountainous terrain under hostile conditions. Its performance during the conflict reflected the professionalism, courage, and dedication that had defined the squadron since its raising.

 

On 27 May 1999, at the height of the Kargil conflict, the Indian Air Force formally commenced combat air operations under Operation Safed Sagar. These operations were launched to provide direct air support to Indian Army formations engaged in evicting infiltrators, strike well-fortified enemy positions, and conduct aerial reconnaissance across the rugged, high-altitude terrain along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir. By May 1999, large-scale and carefully coordinated intrusions by militants, backed by the Pakistan Army, had been detected in the Uri, Batalik, and Drass sectors. The intruders had occupied dominating heights on the Indian side of the LoC, posing a serious threat to national security and vital supply routes. The Indian Armed Forces were tasked with clearing these positions under extremely harsh terrain and weather conditions. While the Army undertook arduous ground assaults along near-vertical mountain slopes, the Air Force initiated precision strikes and reconnaissance missions to weaken enemy defences and gather critical intelligence. As part of this coordinated effort, the No. 152 Helicopter Unit was assigned the crucial responsibility of conducting attack missions over the Drass sector. Operating under the command of Wing Commander Sanjay Kumar Mittal, the unit flew into heavily defended hostile airspace at extreme altitudes. 

 

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). 

 

Flt Lt S Muhilan is survived by his wife Smt Beena Muhilan and son, Dhruv.

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24 Comments

  • Kishor shiralkar

    2024 at 11:16 pm Reply

    We miss you a lot. If any body has his family number pls call on 9980388686.

  • Dr Stephen Samuel

    2024 at 7:02 am Reply

    Muhilan I will always miss u my naughty fighter friend … We were very good friends from Lkg to Xth…. He was very good in studies, and bright NCC cadet. Can’t forget 12 years of togetherness….. Even continued friendship till 1991…. Then lost touch….. Then unfortunately lost my BEST FRIEND.

  • Ganesh Bhat B

    2025 at 10:57 pm Reply

    He was my inspiration and I am proud that i was associated to him as his junior in NCC , our senior in College , and in Indal , Belagaum

  • Muniswamy Kaviarasu

    2025 at 1:06 am Reply

    He is my brother he came to my house when he was at school days in Bangalore his father and and my Grand father are brothers in Thirumanvayal

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