Wing Commander Namansh Syal

Wing Commander Namansh Syal hailed from Patiyalkar village in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Born into a proud military family, he was raised with deep-rooted values of discipline, integrity, and patriotism. His father, Nb Sub Jagan Nath Syal (Retd) of the Army Medical Corps, served as both an inspiration and mentor in his early years, while his mother, Smt Veena Devi, nurtured his grounded and compassionate nature. He grew up alongside his sister, Priya, in a home where service to the nation was not just a profession, but a way of life. His inclination towards a military career became evident early on during his schooling at Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, where he demonstrated academic excellence and leadership qualities. Although he initially joined NIT Hamirpur for engineering studies, his calling was unmistakably towards the uniform. After clearing the SSB(Service Selection Board), he left NIT and joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2006.

At NDA, he rose to distinction—appointed as the Academic Cadet Captain and entrusted with the honour of leading the Passing-Out Parade in November 2008. His outstanding performance earned him the President’s Silver Medal, marking him as one of the finest cadets of his course. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 24 December 2009, he began his aviation journey flying the iconic MiG-21 aircraft—an aircraft known for testing skill, precision, and reflexes. His professional trajectory continued upward as he transitioned to the advanced Su-30 MKI, mastering one of the most capable multirole fighters in India’s combat fleet. Alongside his growing responsibilities in service, he built a beautiful family life. He married Afshana Akhtar, who herself earned a commission in December 2011 into the 'Accounts Branch' of the Indian Air Force. The couple was later blessed with a daughter, Aarya, who became the heart of their world.

Throughout his service, Wing Commander Syal held diverse operational and instructional roles. He served as a Flying Instructor at Hakimpet Air Force Station, where he trained young pilots and shaped the next generation of aviators. With the induction of the indigenous LCA Tejas, Wing Commander Syal became one of the select pilots entrusted with flying and operationalising India’s homegrown fighter jet. He was posted to No. 3 Squadron at Pathankot, further expanding his operational flying experience. Later, he was attached to the 45 Squadron “Flying Daggers”, where his professionalism, flying proficiency, and experience contributed significantly to the squadron’s operational readiness.

IAF Air Operation(Dubai Air Show) : 21 November 2025

In 2025, Wing Commander Namansh Syal was serving with No. 3 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, nicknamed the “Cobras,” based at Air Force Station Pathankot. No. 3 Squadron carries a distinguished legacy. It was formed on 1 October 1941 at Peshawar under its first Commanding Officer, Sqn Ldr N.A.N. Bray, as a fighter reconnaissance unit. The squadron initially operated the Audax aircraft and, over the decades, evolved steadily with changing technology. Originally operating under the motto “Ba Himmat Ba Murad,” the unit later adopted the powerful guiding words “Lakshya Vedh” — meaning Strike the Target. The squadron earned a formidable combat reputation during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Wars, then equipped with Mystère fighters, and contributed significantly to the war efforts. Its valour was recognised with six 'Vir Chakras', three 'Vishisht Seva Medals', and eight 'Mention-in-Dispatches' — honours that reflect the courage, precision, and professionalism of the Cobras.

Continuing its tradition of pioneering excellence, the squadron became the first in the IAF to convert to the upgraded MiG-21 Bison in 2002. In 2020, the 'Cobras' marked another historic milestone by becoming the first unit to be equipped with the indigenously built LCA Tejas, symbolising India’s technological and aviation advancement. By late 2025, Wing Commander Syal—one of the highly trained pilots experienced on the Tejas platform—was serving on attachment with No. 45 Squadron “Flying Daggers,” while continuing to remain part of his parent unit, No. 3 Squadron. In November 2025, India participated in the Dubai Air Show held at Al Maktoum International Airport, positioning the LCA Tejas on a global stage. Three Tejas aircraft were deployed to showcase the jet’s performance, strengthen India’s defence diplomacy, and support potential export discussions.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal was selected as one of the demonstration pilots — a role entrusted only to aircrew of exceptional flying skill, calm judgement, and deep aircraft experience. On 21 November 2025, the final day of the air show, Wing Commander Syal commenced his solo aerobatic demonstration at approximately 2:08 PM local time. The manoeuvre sequence included high-energy turns and negative-G profiles designed to highlight the aircraft’s agility and responsiveness. During one such manoeuvre — believed to be a low-altitude barrel roll or loop — the aircraft encountered a sudden loss of stability. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence indicate that the Tejas momentarily lost control, pitched nose-down sharply, and impacted the ground with significant force. The aircraft exploded upon impact, engulfed in flames, as a towering plume of black smoke rose over the display arena. The sequence of events unfolded within seconds, leaving no viable window for ejection. Despite an immediate emergency response, Wing Commander Namansh Syal could not be saved. Wing Commander Syal left behind a legacy of honour, skill, and an unwavering commitment to the Indian Air Force.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal is survived by his father, Nb Sub Jagan Nath Syal (Retd), mother, Smt Veena Devi, wife Wing Commander Afshan Akhtar, and daughter Ms Aarya.