Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was one of the bravest pilots in Indian Air Force history. At just 26 years old, he faced impossible odds during the 1971 India-Pakistan war and received the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.
Early Life and Love for Flying
He was born on 17 July 1945 in Ludhiana, Punjab, and always had a passion for flying. In 1964, he joined the 97th General Duty Pilots Course and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 4 June 1967.
Despite being shorter than average, he dreamed of mastering the Folland Gnat fighter jet and pushing it to its full potential.
The 1971 India-Pakistan War
The 1971 war was closely linked to the Bangladesh Liberation movement. Following political unrest and military crackdowns in East Pakistan, India intervened to support the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali freedom fighters.
On 3 December 1971, Pakistan launched Operation Chengiz Khan, aiming to strike India’s airbases.
On 14 December 1971, six Pakistani F-86 Sabre jets attacked the Srinagar Airbase, where Sekhon was stationed with Squadron 18 – The Flying Bullets, flying his Folland Gnat.
His colleague, Flight Lieutenant Ghumman, took off first, leaving Sekhon to face the enemy alone.
Sekhon successfully shot down four enemy aircraft despite heavy fire. His plane was eventually hit and badly damaged.
While trying to return to base, he attempted to eject, but the system malfunctioned, and his aircraft crashed near Srinagar.
Sekhon was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
In his honor, a marine tanker was named “Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, PVC” in 1985.
Several statues and memorials have also been set up in Punjab, including one at the Ludhiana District Court.
Diljit Dosanjh to Play Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon in Border 2
Bollywood star Diljit Dosanjh has been officially cast as Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon in the upcoming war film Border 2, which is set to release on January 23, 2026, ahead of India’s Republic Day.
Border 2 is directed by Anurag Singh and features a star-studded cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and others.
