Rajbir Singh
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Wg Cdr Rajbir Singh | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 Sep 1954 |
| Died | 18 Aug 1994 (age 40) |
| Allegiance | India |
| Service/ | Indian Air Force |
| Years of service | 23 Jan 1976 - 18 Aug 1994 (Died in Service) |
| Service number | 14287 F(P) |
| Unit | No.125 Helicopter Squadron |
On 3rd Nov 1987, then Sqn Ldr Rajbir Singh in Mulai, Jaffna, the Mi-25s provided air support for the 1 Para amphibious assault aimed at capturing or eliminating Prabhakaran. Sqn Ldr Rajbir Singh, piloting the Mi-25/35 gunship, received the Vir Chakra for his exemplary performance during this operation.
Military Career
Wg Cdr Rajbir Singh was commissioned from 115 Course in the Indian Air Force as a Pilot Officer on 23 Jan 1976. As a Flight Lieutenant he was part of the No.114 Helicopter Unit as a Squadron Pilot. While serving as a Squadron Leader with the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka, Rajbir Singh took part in operations near Mulai on 3 November 1987.[1] Intelligence had located LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran in the area, which was heavily fortified and covered by dense vegetation.
A coordinated operation was launched at first light, combining a ground assault by 1 Para (Special Forces) with air support from Mi-25 helicopters of No. 125 Helicopter Squadron. Rajbir Singh commanded one of the gunships.[2] During repeated attack runs under heavy fire, his aircraft sustained damage and lost oil pressure in one engine. He safely returned the helicopter to base on single-engine power, preserving the aircraft and its remaining ammunition.
His actions contributed to the success of the assault and were recognized with the award of the Vir Chakra.[3]
Vir Chakra
The Vir Chakra Citation reads as follows-
SQN LDR RAJBIR SINGH
IPKF SRI LANKA (14287 F(P))}}
For conspicuous gallantry and professional competence, Sqn Ldr Rajbir Singh carried out repeated, accurate front-gun attacks on heavily defended positions impeding a Para Commando advance at Mulai on 3 Nov 1987. After battle damage crippled his left engine, he established single-engine flight, retained vital armament, recovered safely despite R/T failure, and preserved the aircraft for further operations.|author=Gazette of India Notification: No. 37 – Press/1988}}
Death
In 1994, Wg Cdr Rajbir Singh, then CO of 125 Helicopter Sqn, tragically died in a crash.[4]
References
- ↑ Evbditor (2009-10-05). "Chapter 5 : Crocodiles into the Attack – Mi-25s of 125 Heli Squadron". Indian Air Force. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ↑ https://www.vayuaerospace.in/Issue/202206031225360955.pdf
- ↑ Gazette of India, Notification No. 37-Pres/88, 15 April 1988.
- ↑ "Service Record for Wing Commander Rajbir Singh 14287 F(P) at Bharat Rakshak.com". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
External links
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