Service No : 35420-T F(P)

Date of Birth : August 9, 1993

Place of birth : Rohtak, Dist (Haryana)

Service : Air Force

Last Rank : Squadron Leader

Unit : 47 Sqn AF

Arm/Regt : Indian Air Force

Martyrdom : March 5, 2026

Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht

Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht hailed from Kakrana village in Rohtak, Haryana, and was born on 9 August 1993. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in the tradition of military service, which strongly influenced his upbringing and aspirations. His father, retired Army Subedar Anand Kumar, played a pivotal role in shaping his values and instilling in him a profound sense of patriotism, discipline, and commitment to the nation from an early age. His mother, Smt. Anita Devi also contributed significantly to nurturing these values within the family. He shared a close bond with his younger brother, Manuj, and the two grew up in an environment where service to the country was regarded as the highest honour. He pursued his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Gurugram, where he was known for his dedication and discipline. He later completed his B.Tech degree and, after graduation, briefly worked at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Despite this professional opportunity, he felt a stronger calling toward serving the nation in uniform. Determined to realise his dream, he worked tirelessly and successfully cleared the selection process to join the Indian Air Force. In 2015, he was commissioned into the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force, marking the beginning of a distinguished career as a fighter pilot. Over the years, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht gained extensive experience flying various types of fighter aircraft, earning recognition for his professionalism, skill, and dedication. 

 

In his personal life, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht demonstrated the same sense of commitment and discipline that defined his professional journey. Deeply devoted to his duty and responsibilities, he had postponed marriage for several years in order to focus entirely on his career in the Air Force. Only recently had he agreed to get married, and preparations for the wedding had begun at home, bringing joy and excitement to his family. However, fate had other plans for him.

 

Operational Air Mission: 05 Mar 2026

 

During March 2026, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht was serving with the 47 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, known as the “Black Archers.” No. 47 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was formed on 18 December 1959 at Halwara, with Squadron Leader Denis Anthony Lafontaine as its first Commanding Officer. The squadron was initially equipped with Toofani aircraft. In 1961, the squadron moved to Kalaikunda, and later in August 1963, relocated to Bagdogra, while also operating a detachment from Gorakhpur. In September 1964, it moved to Hasimara. On 23 March 1968, the squadron transitioned from the ageing Toofani aircraft to the supersonic MiG-21FL, and subsequently moved to Chandigarh. In November 1973, the squadron returned to its formation base at Halwara. It later moved to Chabua in January 1978, where it remained for about seven years. In May 1985, the squadron relocated again to Hasimara. In May 1987, the squadron moved to Pune, where it converted to the MiG-29 fighter aircraft. Later, in March 1997, the squadron shifted to Adampur. Today, No. 47 Squadron operates the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, one of the Indian Air Force’s most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft.  As a frontline combat unit, the 47 Squadron plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s northeastern airspace. The squadron regularly undertakes operational patrols, advanced combat training, and readiness missions to ensure that its pilots and aircraft remain fully prepared to respond to any contingency.

 

On 05 March 2026, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht, along with Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar as 'Navigator", took off in a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft from Air Force Station Jorhat as part of an operational training mission. The sortie was being conducted for practising complex flying manoeuvres, tactical procedures, and operational coordination required for combat readiness. During the mission, the aircraft tragically crashed at Inglong Ekopi Hill in the Bokajan Sub-Division of Karbi Anglong district in Assam, approximately 60 kilometres from the Jorhat Air Base. The radar contact with the aircraft was lost at around 7:42 p.m. on 05 March. The crash site was later located in a hilly and forested area after residents from Chokihola village in the Bokajan sub-division noticed the wreckage and informed authorities. In the tragic accident, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht was unable to eject from the aircraft in time. Both Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar succumbed to the crash, resulting in the loss of two highly skilled and professionally competent air warriors of the Indian Air Force. Their untimely demise was a profound loss to the Air Force and the nation. Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht was an exceptionally dedicated fighter pilot and a committed soldier who laid down his life at the age of 32 years in the service of the nation. His sacrifice reflects the highest traditions of courage, professionalism, and devotion to duty upheld by the Indian Air Force.

 

Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht is survived by his father, Subedar Anand Kumar(Retd), his mother Smt Anita Devi, and his younger brother, Shri Manuj Vashisht. 

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