National hero, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, may soon return to the fighter cockpit after getting medical clearance from IAM (Institute of Aerospace Medicine), Bengaluru, according to reports.
On February 27 this year, Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan Varthaman was forced to eject himself out of his MiG 21 jet, and he eventually found himself beyond enemy lines in Pak territory.
After a brief tryst with the Pakistani military, the officer was released in a ‘peace gesture’ by Pak PM, Imran Khan.
He had suffered injuries to his spine and rib and was not medically fit to resume duty. However, according to two anonymous sources from the Indian Air Force, he has made a recovery and there may be a “good chance” he will be back to fighter jets soon.
The officer said,
In such ejection cases, specialists usually assess a pilot’s health for up to 12 weeks before they clear him for flying again. So we will know about Abhinandan by May-end. But going by the current health indicators and the officer’s determination to return to fighter flying, we hope to see him in a g-suit soon.
Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan is currently at his unit — 51 Squadron, Srinagar. He is also reportedly being considered for the Vir Chakra award.
One official said,
As the action happened on the other side of the LoC, he could be awarded the war-time gallantry award. The government will have to take that call, whether he gets a Vir Chakra or a Shaurya Chakra.
Wishing him a full recovery and hope he resumes duty soon.