Wing Commander Hanumanth Rao Sarathi

Wing Commander Hanumanth Rao Sarathi hailed from Ganeshpura village in Belgaum district of Karnataka and was born on 28 October 1987. He was the son of an Army veteran, Honorary Captain Revansiddappa Sarathi, and grew up in a household steeped in discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation. He shared a close and affectionate bond with his younger brother, Praveen Sarathi. From an early age, he developed a deep desire to serve in the Armed Forces, inspired by his father’s exemplary life in uniform. He completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Belgaum, where he performed well academically and actively participated in extracurricular activities. His teachers and peers noted his leadership qualities, sense of responsibility, and strong character. Determined to turn his childhood dream into reality, he cleared the highly competitive National Defence Academy (NDA) examination soon after completing school. During his training at the NDA, he distinguished himself in academics, physical training, and leadership tasks, reflecting his all-round excellence. He then progressed to the Air Force Academy for advanced training, where he underwent specialized instruction in flying and was commissioned into the fighter stream after graduating as part of the 183 Pilots’ Course. 

On 27 June 2009, he was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in military aviation. Following his commissioning, he underwent rigorous multi-stage professional training and operational conversion, qualifying as a fighter pilot. He was thereafter posted to frontline squadrons and served at various Air Force bases across the country, where he consistently discharged his duties with professionalism, courage, and commitment. His service record reflected a high level of competence across a wide range of operational roles and air operations. In 2022, after over a decade of exemplary service, he was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander. By this stage of his career, he had established himself as a highly experienced and professionally accomplished fighter pilot, having contributed meaningfully to diverse operational tasks and responsibilities. By 2023, Wing Commander Hanumanth Sarathi had completed nearly 14 years of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force. He was widely respected by seniors and peers alike for his operational acumen, discipline, humility, and unwavering dedication to duty. In his personal life, he married Ms Mimansha, and together they built a close-knit and supportive family. The couple was blessed with two children—a daughter and a son—who remained the center of his world.

By January 2023, Wing Commander Hanumanth Sarathi was serving as an instructor at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), a premier institution of the Indian Air Force located at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. TACDE plays a critical role in maintaining the operational edge of the IAF by developing advanced air combat doctrines and conducting realistic, war-like training to prepare pilots for every eventuality. As an instructor at TACDE, Wing Commander Sarathi bore the vital responsibility of training frontline pilots in complex air combat operations. His role demanded not only exceptional flying skills but also deep tactical understanding, calm judgment, and the ability to mentor others. After joining the unit, he undertook numerous demanding training missions, both by day and by night, contributing significantly to the operational preparedness of the force. On 28 January 2023, he was tasked to undertake yet another advanced air combat training mission along with two fellow pilots. The mission involved a Mirage 2000 aircraft, piloted by Wing Commander Sarathi, and a Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft flown by the other two pilots. After completing all necessary operational and safety checks on the ground, the aircraft took off as planned from the Gwalior airbase. 

Tragically, during the course of the mission and for reasons that remain unclear, the Mirage 2000 and the Sukhoi-30MKI apparently collided mid-air. The crash is believed to have occurred over the Pahargarh area in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. In the ensuing emergency, the two pilots aboard the Sukhoi-30MKI ejected successfully and were immediately evacuated to hospital for medical treatment. Wing Commander Hanumanth Sarathi, however, could not survive the crash and succumbed to his injuries. He laid down his life in the line of duty at the young age of 35. A committed soldier and a gallant air warrior, his sacrifice stands as a poignant reminder of the risks borne daily by those who guard the nation’s skies. His courage, professionalism, and devotion to duty continue to inspire his comrades and all who knew his story.

Wg Cdr Hanumanth Rao Sarathi is survived by his father Capt Revansiddappa Sarathi (Retd), wife Smt Mimansha, daughter, son and brother Gp Capt Praveen Sarathi (currently serving in Indian Air Force).