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.
Krutika Mihir Shah
2022 at 1:09 amDear Commander Harshit Sinha,
We are so proud of your bravery and service to the nation, sir. We salute you and your family for serving the nation.
Jai Hind.
Manoj Sharma Manu
2022 at 5:36 pmWe shall never forget our braves, they chosen the tough path and we should always support them.
Rohit Srivastava
2022 at 10:32 amYou were always a special big brother to me.. Even though we didn’t interact much but there was always a special corner for you in life. I still remember you taught me to play PC games on your system for the first time.
Hope you are in peace.
Love you bhaiya!!
CA Mukul Sharma
2022 at 6:25 pmSuch a true hero , a big salute to him
Vishnu sanjay athreya
2022 at 8:37 pmThank you for everything you have done for us sir
Raghav khurana
2022 at 5:21 pmJai hind
Varsha Diwan
2024 at 12:58 pmYou will always be remembered…a great personality that we met ..truely a fighter , a singer, a good partner and a father who faught until its last breath for the nation.
You will always be remembered…. U flew west but your memories never dies!
Jai hind
Nidhi Rana
2024 at 9:10 pmA true gentlemen officer, a great human being , exceptional leader & a fantastic fighter pilot. Gone too soon but not forgotten. RIP Harshit i’m sure all of you boys(angels) must be partying hard in the heaven. you will always missed Choubayji….
Sunil Kumar
2024 at 11:43 amSir , you will be always remembered for your kind hearted behaviour among all sir warriors.
Jai hind sir
Vishwanath Yadav.
2025 at 7:38 amYour sacrifice will always be honoured. Great tribute to Wing Commander Sinha sir.
Surendra Kumar Mishra
2025 at 10:32 pm729127-B , HFO Surendra Kumar Mishra, Eng Fit. (Retired).
I worked with Him at Srinagar as a Engine section incharge. Harshit Sir always speaks with soft voice to Ground crew. Never harm anyone under him. Pray for his uplift of Amar atma. Sat Sat Naman.