IAF chief Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria has admitted that the Mi-17 chopper crash on 27th February was a ‘big mistake’ on the part of his force, according to India Today. Bhadauria said that after the court inquiry concluded, it was ascertained that Indian chopper was brought down by its own missile and action will be taken against two officers who made the mistake.
Pakistani filmmaker and director Khalil ur Rehman Qamar has announced to make a comedy movie on Indian Wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman. In the movie titled “Abhinandan Come On”, Shamoon Abbasi will be seen playing role of the downed Indian pilot. The movie expected to release this September was planned after Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi announced last week to make a movie on Abhinandan.
President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi conferred military honour upon two brave sons of the soil, Wing Commander Noman Ali and Squadron Leader Hasan Mehmood, for downing an Indian jet on February 27 in the aftermath of which an Indian pilot was arrested. Wing Commander Noman Ali was conferred Sitara-i-Jurat and Sq Leader Hasan Mehmood Siddiqui was awarded Tamgha-i-Jurat.
2016-17, six Indian Air Force fighter jets, two helicopters, one transport aircraft and one trainer crashed, while in 2017-18, it lost two fighter jets and one trainer aircraft. The number rose sharply in 2018-19 to seven fighters jets, two helicopters and two trainers. IAF incurred heavy losses of approximately INR525 crore ($75 million) due to 11 crashes.