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

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

 

In March 2026, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht was serving with a frontline fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force operating the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft. As one of the most advanced multirole fighter aircraft in the IAF’s inventory, the Sukhoi-30MKI is capable of undertaking air superiority missions, ground attack, long-range strike, and strategic deterrence roles. Equipped with advanced avionics, powerful radar systems, and the ability to carry a wide range of weapons, it forms the backbone of India’s air combat capability. With its long range, heavy payload capacity, and advanced combat systems, the Sukhoi-30MKI enables sustained air dominance and rapid response, ensuring the security of India’s northeastern airspace. During this period, his squadron was operating from Air Force Station Jorhat in Assam, a key airbase in the Eastern Air Command. Air Force Station Jorhat, established in August 1952, holds the distinction of being one of the earliest and most important air bases in the eastern sector. Over the decades, it has evolved into a strategically vital hub supporting air operations across the North-East. The region itself has a rich aviation history dating back to 1928, when one of the earliest aircraft landed at the Jorhat Gymkhana Club grounds. During the Second World War, the area gained prominence as part of the Allied air effort, serving as a crucial link in air operations towards China. In the present context, Air Force Station Jorhat plays a critical role in maintaining operational readiness in the eastern sector. 

 

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. 

  • If you find any information that is incorrect or inappropriate or have additional information about the soldier that can be added to his memorial site, please contact us by using the tab given below.
    click here
No Comments

Post a Comment