Service No : 33517 F(P)

Date of Birth : February 7, 1991

Place of birth : Dehradun (U'khand)

Last Rank : Squadron Leader

Arm/Regt : Indian Air Force

Martyrdom : December 4, 2023

Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Rai

Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Rai was born on February 07, 1991, in Dehradun, into a family with a proud legacy of service in the Indian Air Force (IAF). His father, Group Captain Amitabh Rai, an IAF veteran, and his mother, Smt. Chitralekha, instilled in him the values of dedication and patriotism from an early age. Inspired by his father’s career, Abhimanyu developed a deep passion for aviation and a strong desire to serve in the armed forces—an ambition that would define his journey. His dream took flight when he was selected for the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 123rd course, where he underwent rigorous training in academics, leadership, and physical endurance. Following his graduation from the NDA, Sqn Ldr Abhimanyu Rai was selected for the Indian Air Force’s flying branch, a testament to his exceptional abilities. He joined the 192nd Pilots' Course, where he underwent multi-stage intensive training, mastering the complexities of aviation in high-pressure environments. This demanding program honed his skills across various aircraft platforms, preparing him for a distinguished career as a military pilot. Excelling in all aspects, he graduated in 2013, setting the stage for his entry into the IAF as a promising aviator.

 

Upon completing his training, he was inducted into an operational squadron, where his career began to soar. His competence and dedication led to a rapid rise through the ranks. On December 14, 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, further solidifying his position as a skilled and reliable aviator. His continued excellence in operational flying and leadership saw him rise to the rank of Squadron Leader in December 2019, a milestone that marked his growing responsibilities within the IAF. Squadron Leader Rai specialized in Transport Aviation, a critical component of modern warfare that ensures the rapid deployment of troops, equipment, and supplies during strategic operations. His decision to pursue this field reflected his versatility, adaptability, and deep understanding of air logistics. His expertise in transport missions made him an indispensable asset to the IAF’s operational readiness. Sqn Ldr Abhimanyu Rai also served with the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (AHQCS) of the Indian Air Force, based at Air Force Station Palam, New Delhi. This elite transport squadron is entrusted with the critical responsibility of providing air transport for the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister of India, both within the country and on international missions. Additionally, it facilitates air travel for visiting foreign heads of state, designated as VVIPs. His tenure with AHQCS underscored his expertise in high-stakes aviation operations, where precision, reliability, and unwavering professionalism are paramount.

 

Later he became a "Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI)" and took on the role of a flying instructor, mentoring aspiring pilots and shaping the future of the IAF. His commitment to training the next generation of aviators ensured a legacy of excellence, discipline, and precision. His ability to instill confidence and impart critical skills made him a revered figure among young officers. In 2019, Sqn Ldr Abhimanyu Rai played a role in the Balakot airstrike, a precision bombing raid carried out by the Indian Air Force on 26 February 2019 in Balakot, Pakistan. The operation targeted a training camp belonging to the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in response to the Pulwama terror attack. This mission was a significant strategic operation aimed at eliminating terrorist infrastructure and demonstrating India's commitment to counterterrorism efforts.By 2023, Sqn Ldr Abhimanyu Rai had completed nearly a decade of dedicated service in the IAF. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional proficiency in both combat and non-combat missions, successfully navigating some of the most challenging aerial operations. His ability to master six different aircraft (HK36 Super Dimona, Kiran, Dornier 228, Antonov An-32, Boeing and Pilatus PC 7) during his career showcased his technical expertise and adaptability—an achievement few pilots attain with such finesse. 

 

Training Air Mission : 04 Dec 2023
 

In December 2023, Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Rai, was serving as a flight instructor at Dundigal Airbase in Hyderabad. Known for his professionalism, skill, and dedication, he was entrusted with the critical role of training young aviators, ensuring they were well-prepared for the demands of aviation in the Indian Air Force. On the morning of December 4, 2023, Squadron Leader Rai, along with his trainee pilot Vuvan Thain, prepared for what seemed to be just another routine training flight. At 8:15 AM, the two pilots took off from Dundigal Airbase in the Pilatus PC 7 Mk II, a reliable trainer aircraft known for its precision and versatility. For Squadron Leader Rai, the aircraft was an extension of himself, a machine he had mastered over years of flying experience. He was a highly competent and experienced pilot who knew the intricacies of his aircraft and the tasks at hand. Vuvan, a trainee, was under his guidance, learning the ropes of flying in real-world conditions. The training flight, which was supposed to be a standard exercise, involved maneuvers aimed at improving Vuvan’s skill set and enhancing his confidence in the cockpit. With Squadron Leader Rai at the helm, the mission began with nothing that suggested the tragic turn it would take in the coming moments.

 

As the clock ticked past 9:00 AM, things began to take a tragic turn. In a flash of moments, the aircraft encountered an unforeseen and catastrophic failure. The exact cause of the disaster remains under investigation, but the sequence of events was swift and unforgiving. The Pilatus PC 7 Mk II, once soaring gracefully in the skies, suddenly plunged toward the ground, uncontrollable and in freefall. By the time the aircraft’s descent had been realized, the disaster was imminent. The aircraft crashed violently into a stony heap, a terrible impact that left no chance for survival. The ensuing inferno, fueled by the wreckage, erupted in a blinding blaze, consuming the remains of the aircraft and everything in its path. The sheer force of the crash and the subsequent fire left the aircraft utterly obliterated. Tragically, both Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Rai and his trainee pilot, Vuvan Thain, were trapped in the wreckage, their lives snuffed out in an instant. The fire was so intense and destructive that the remains of the two pilots were rendered beyond recognition, an agonizing testament to the violent and unforgiving nature of the crash. In the aftermath of the crash, emergency response teams rushed to the site, but the damage had already been done. Sqn Ldr Abhimanyu was not just a pilot; he was a teacher, a leader, and a protector of the nation’s skies. His loss is a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in the world of military aviation, where every flight is undertaken with the knowledge that it could be a life-or-death mission. 

 

Sqn Ldr Abhimanyu Rai is survived by his father Group Captain Amitabh Rai(Retd), and mother, Smt. Chitralekha Rai. 

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1 Comment
  • Chitralekha Rai

    2025 at 7:20 pm Reply

    Excellent online platform for all brave hearts who gave supreme sacrifice in line.of.duty……the.best.part.is there is no disparity between having battle casualty or physical casuality……all are treated alike….how i wish all family.of brave hearts feels n treat n help each other in all possible way…… unfortunately. There is.a.lot.of.politics in this world also….after being a mother of a brave heart., i realised.a lot needs to be done for families who are.left behind

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