Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu

Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu hailed from Kheri-Sadh village in the Rohtak district of Haryana—a region known for its rich martial heritage and unwavering contribution to the Indian Armed Forces. Born in 1993, he was the youngest of three siblings in a close-knit, values-driven family. His father, Shri Joginder Singh, nurtured in him the virtues of responsibility and service, while the family’s military legacy ran deep—his grandfather, Shri B.S. Sindhu, had served with distinction in the Indian Army. Sqn Ldr Lokendra’s aspirations to join the defence forces were shaped early by his disciplined upbringing and the inspiring service history of his family. After completing his schooling, he was selected to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2011. His years at NDA refined his leadership skills, physical resilience, and academic aptitude, laying the groundwork for his future in the Indian Air Force. Following his NDA tenure, he was selected for flying training and proceeded to the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, where he underwent rigorous pilot training. He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on 20 December 2014, as part of the 12 SSC (M) FP Course. 

Over the next several years, Squadron Leader Sindhu distinguished himself through professionalism, technical skill, and operational excellence. In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader. By 2025, with nearly a decade of service, he had earned a reputation as a competent and courageous fighter pilot, entrusted with complex aerial missions and frontline responsibilities. His dedication to service was matched by his devotion to his family. In 2020, he married Dr. Surabhi, a medical professional. Together, they built a life grounded in mutual respect and shared values. His elder brother Gyanendra is an engineer by profession, and his sister Anshi also served in the Indian Air Force as a Short Service Commissioned Officer, further reflecting the family's deep bond with the Armed Forces. In June 2025, just a month before his untimely demise, Squadron Leader Lokendra experienced the joy of fatherhood with the birth of his son—a moment that filled him with renewed pride and a sense of purpose.

Operational Air Mission: 09 Jul 2025

In 2025, Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh was serving with the prestigious No. 5 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, famously known as the “Tuskers.” This squadron, steeped in history and valour, was originally formed on 2 November 1948 at Kanpur under the command of Squadron Leader JRS “Danny” Dantra. A few months later, it shifted base to Poona (now Pune), where it remained for eight years. Initially equipped with B-24 Liberators, the squadron made a historic leap on 1 September 1957, becoming the first in the Indian Air Force to be equipped with the B(I)58 bomber-interdictor version of the Canberra under the command of Wing Commander (later Air Commodore) WR Dani. The squadron finally stood down as a Canberra unit at Agra in 1981, giving up the classic first-generation jet that had served as its mount for nearly a quarter of a century. It re-formed at Ambala soon afterwards, on 1 August 1981, under the command of Wing Commander (later Air Vice Marshal) JS Sisodia. Besides the strike role common to all Jaguar units, No 5 Squadron also assumed a reconnaissance role, initially using BAe-supplied pods. Sqn Ldr Lokendra Singh Sindhu was a proud and dedicated member of No. 5 Squadron based at Suratgarh Airbase in Rajasthan. Known for its operational excellence and legacy of valour, being part of this unit was a matter of immense pride for Squadron Leader Lokendra, who upheld its traditions with unwavering commitment.

On 9th July 2025, Squadron Leader Lokendra was on an operational training mission alongside his co-pilot, Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh.  The mission as part of a "Battle Inoculation Training Exercise,"commenced from a forward air base, with the Jaguar aircraft (Serial No: JT-054) taking off at 1315 hours, navigating over Bhanuda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district. However, during the course of the flight, tragedy struck. Around 1325 hours, the aircraft encountered a sudden and severe technical malfunction, which led to an onboard fire mid-air, just as it passed over an agricultural field. The emergency unfolded rapidly, giving the pilots little to no time to assess or react. Despite the severity of the situation, both officers did their utmost to manage the crisis, likely attempting to steer the aircraft away from populated areas—demonstrating courage and presence of mind till the very end. Unfortunately, due to the critical and unforeseen nature of the failure, Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh and his co-pilot were unable to initiate ejection procedures in time. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of both air warriors who had dedicated their lives to the service of the nation. Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh was known for his calm composure, thorough professionalism, and deep sense of responsibility, both in the cockpit and beyond. At just 32 years of age, he had already established himself as a highly skilled pilot and a dependable officer, respected by peers and superiors alike. 

Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu survived by his father Shri Joginder Singh, mother, wife Dr Surabhi, son, brother Shri Gyanendra Singh, and sister Sqn Ldr Anshi Singh(Retd).