Wing Commander Harshit Sinha hailed from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and was the son of Shri Hemant Kumar Sinha. From an early age, he nurtured a deep and unwavering desire to serve the nation in uniform. He completed his schooling at City Montessori School, Mahanagar, Lucknow, where he distinguished himself through discipline, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose. Determined to pursue a career in the armed forces, he successfully cleared the highly competitive National Defence Academy (NDA) examination in 1999. He joined the 104th NDA course and was allotted ‘Oscar’ Squadron, where the rigorous training further refined his leadership qualities, physical endurance, and professional outlook. On 1 June 2003, he proudly passed out of the NDA and proceeded to the Air Force Academy for advanced training with the Indian Air Force. At the Air Force Academy, he underwent specialized training as a fighter pilot and was commissioned into the fighter stream after graduating as part of the 173 Pilots’ Course.
In 2004, he was commissioned as a Flying Officer, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in military aviation. Following his commissioning, he served at various Air Force bases across the country, flying different types of fighter aircraft and gaining wide-ranging operational exposure. Through these assignments, he steadily built a reputation for professional competence, operational skill, and steadfast commitment to duty. In 2007, after several years of dedicated service, he married Flt Lt Priyanka, an officer in the Indian Air Force. She later retired as a Squadron Leader after completing her short service commission. Together, they formed a family deeply rooted in the values of service and sacrifice, and in the years that followed, the couple was blessed with two daughters. By 2021, he had completed approximately 17 years of exemplary service in the Indian Air Force and had risen to the rank of Wing Commander. Over the years, he had evolved into a highly experienced and professionally accomplished fighter pilot, having participated in and contributed to a wide spectrum of air operations.
MiG-21 Operational Air Mission : 24 Dec 2021
In December 2021, Wing Commander Harshit Sinha was serving with No. 51 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, known as the “Sword Arms,” based at Air Force Station Srinagar. The squadron has a proud and distinguished history. It was raised at Chandigarh on 1 February 1985 under the command of Wing Commander Virendra Kumar Chawla and was subsequently relocated to Srinagar to undertake operational responsibilities in a strategically vital sector. Initially equipped with MiG-21 Type-75 aircraft, the squadron later underwent upgradation and was converted to the MiG-21 Bison in January 2004. Since then, No. 51 Squadron has consistently lived up to its inspiring motto, “Valour for Victory,” distinguishing itself in numerous exercises, operations, and campaigns. In the Indian Air Force, peacetime training is a critical component of operational preparedness, ensuring that aircrew and units remain combat-ready to meet any eventuality. As part of such professional training commitments, Wing Commander Harshit Sinha was detailed to participate in a major air exercise at Jaisalmer. As planned, he flew from Srinagar to an Air Force base in Rajasthan along with his combat team.
On 24 December 2021, he was tasked to undertake an operational mission as part of a complex air exercise. The mission involved demanding air manoeuvres and simulated combat actions, designed to test both pilot skill and aircraft performance under realistic operational conditions. Shortly after take-off, however, his aircraft developed a serious technical snag and became uncontrollable. Faced with a rapidly deteriorating situation, Wing Commander Harshit Sinha was left with no option but to eject. It is believed that, even in those critical moments, he used his exceptional flying skills and presence of mind to manoeuvre the aircraft away from a populated area, thereby minimizing the risk to civilian life and property on the ground. Despite these efforts, the aircraft ultimately crashed near the Desert National Park area close to Jaisalmer at approximately 2030 hours on 24 December 2021. Tragically, Wing Commander Harshit Sinha did not survive the accident and succumbed to the injuries sustained in the crash. In his passing, the Indian Air Force lost a highly committed, courageous, and professional fighter pilot—an air warrior who laid down his life in the service of the nation.
Wing Commander Harshit Sinha is survived by his father, Shri Hemant Kumar Sinha; his wife, Squadron Leader Priyanka Sinha (Retd); and their two daughters.
Dimple Roy
2025 at 2:33 pmIt is because of Heroes like you that we live as if it’s not a big deal. Forever indebt to the supreme sacrifice of our bravehearts and loss and strength of their families.
You inspire us to challenge our comfort zone and life for a purpose.
Thank you!
Humble regards
Jai Hind Jai Bharat