Aptly titled Wings of Valour, this book is a true tribute to the air warriors of the Indian Air Force which prides in its motto – Touching the Sky with Glory. Swapnil Pandey reflects on the bygone moments of triumph, splendor and brilliance, taking the readers through select military operations by IAF and daring acts of valor displayed by IAF personnel. Dedicating the book to IAF families, she avows, “Donning the IAF uniform is the highest honor, one that no wealth can buy”.

The book, which begins with a brief account of IAF history, tracing its humble beginnings, fast forwards to Operation Sindoor, appreciating the impact of IAF in pulverising nine terror epicentres deep inside Pakistan. India’s multi-layered air defence grids working with ruthless efficiency, forming an impregnable wall against every drone, aircraft or missile launched by the adversary. In a first of its kind, IAF successfully launched airstrikes on military installations of a nuclear-armed adversary, re-defining the rules of engagement.

Humanitarian assistance

As a part of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations, IAF on numerous occasions has evacuated Indians and foreigners from danger zones across the globe earning good will worldwide. “Whether facing floods, landslides, earthquakes, enemy attacks or any other disaster, the IAF will always be there,” sums up Swapnil, choosing to delve in detail into Operation Kaveri’s Wadi Seidna mission in Sudan and Deoghar Cable Car rescue.

The book describes in great detail a daring overnight mission conducted to rescue stranded Indian nationals from Sudan amidst intense civil war in April 2023. The rescue operation involved a heroic night landing of a C-130J on an unlit damaged airstrip devoid of any navigational aids, under threat of ongoing gunfire. This feat was ably supported by a team of IAF Garud commandos who identified and escorted all the 118 Indian evacuees, using night vision equipment to ensure safety – a saga of remarkable planning, courage and seamless coordination between the IAF pilots, ground crew, Garuds and Indian authorities, earning praise for its audacity and flawless execution.

Author’s gripping narration of the events that followed a cable car accident at the Trikut Hills ropeway in April 2022 showcases her versatility as a storyteller. The operation demanded extraordinary courage and skill by IAF helicopter pilots who managed this highly complicated operation without any parallel globally. Garud commandos, on the other hand had to quickly adapt to operate the risky rescue mission at 1,200 feet above ground level at night, dangling from helicopter winch cables, pledging their lives to rescue each survivor individually. Author recounts the spellbinding moments of this unique operation amidst risk, uncertainty and also psychological trauma of stranded passengers.

Garuds’ story

Author’s thoughtful gesture of dedicating few chapters as a tribute to the IAF’s Elite Special Forces – The Garuds is indeed laudable.

She writes about the origin, history, role, training and achievements of the Garuds, who are trained for high-risk, specialised missions similar to the Army’s Para Special Forces and Navy’s Marcos. Their training equips Garuds to operate under any condition – in the air, on land or in water.

Tales of valour

The story of Corporal Gurusevak Singh, who was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously, for his valiant act of preventing the armed militants from entering the technical area at Air Force Station Pathankot and saving dozens of air assets is indeed heart wrenching. Describing the sequence of events leading to the heroic supreme sacrifice of Sergeant Milind Kishor and Corporal Nilesh Kumar during Operation Rakh Hajih, in October 2017 she writes. “Milind and Nilesh had not only eliminated one terrorist each but also grievously injured several others epitomising unyielding bravery and sacrifice.” Both Garuds were awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

About Ashok Chakra (posthumous) awardee Corporal Jyothi Prakash Nirala, who fought fearlessly during Operation Chandergeer in November 2017, author recounts – “A volley of bullets had struck him, yet he refused to go down… continued to fire, his resolve unbroken, until a headshot put him down... his uniform soaked with blood and mud”.

Named after Nachiketha, the mythological character in Katha Upanishad who impresses Yama - the god of death and obtains three boons, Flight Lieutenant K Nachiketa too survived three close encounters with death when he ejected from his MIG 21 inside Pakistani territory, assaulted by civilians before being taken into custody by ISI. While he returned safe, many other prisoners of war weren’t as lucky – be it Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja during Operation Safed Sagar, or dozens of soldiers captured during 1971 war. “These soldiers are the true heroes – men whose fates may never be known, whose resting places will never be visited or garlanded” affirms the author.

Writing about the IPKF Joint Operations the Indian Army and IAF, author states “the daring helicopter drop in Jaffna is a powerful reminder of the need for impeccable leadership and the weight of responsibility borne by military leaders”.

Surrounded and overpowered by LTTE militants, 120 Para Commandos 36 Sikh LI troops fought against grave odds until they ran out of ammunition and laid down their lives. “These soldiers weren’t dying for their land or lineage. They fought – and fell – for their paltan, for the brothers fighting beside them” she annotates.

Author’s extensive research, visits to various IAF squadrons and interaction with officials is an effort highly praiseworthy.

A foreword from Air Chief Marshal AP Singh PVSM AVSM, and a passionate note by his wife Sarita Singh, who is also the President, Air Force Family Welfare Association, is icing on the cake.

“This account honors every aircraft and squadron – named or unnamed, documented or classified – that serves the nation with silent determination. It is a salute to the pilots, the ground crews and the families who form the backbone of India’s air power” signs off Swapnil Pandey.

A book that is a must read, to know about the lives of Air Warriors who guard their skies and keep them safe.

(The reviewer, an IAF veteran, is GM, Madras Management Association)

Check the book out on amazon.

Published on January 25, 2026