COURAGE FROM THE SKIES ---SQUADRON LEADER AJAY AHUJA

Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja

Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja of the Indian Air Force was killed in action on 27 May 99 while on a combat mission launched during the operations being conducted over the Indian side of the line of control in Kashmir when his aircraft was hit by a shoulder-fired ‘Stinger’ Surface to Air Missile (SAM).

The officer made the supreme sacrifice for his country while remaining over enemy positions to help rescue attempts to locate a downed pilot, knowing fully well the existence of enemy SAMs in the area. This extremely courageous act involving immense risk to his life exemplifies the daring qualities of Indian fighter pilots engaged in the present operations. Tragically, he paid the price for his bravery when his MiG-21 fighter was hit by a SAM. Though the officer ejected safely, but, as was confirmed by the post-mortem report, he was murdered in cold blood on the ground. We salute this brave officer for his gallantry and draw heart from his dedication and bravery.

Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja hailed from Kota in Rajasthan and was born on 22 May 63. He graduated from the National Defence Academy and was commissioned in the IAF as a fighter pilot on 14 Jun 85. His 14-year career span as a fighter pilot included tours as an operational pilot on the MiG-23 fighter-bomber and MiG-21 variants, besides instructional flying experience of over 1000 hours spent teaching ab-initio pilots. An A2 instructor, he was extremely popular among his pupils because of his patient and cheerful nature.

A thorough professional, the officer was the Flight Commander of a specialist photo-reconnaissance squadron. His wife Mrs Alka Ahuja and a son Ankush survive him.