Amar Jit Singh Sandhu

Wing Commander Amar Jit Singh Sandhu VrC, VM (23 January 1933 – 24 September 1971) was an Indian fighter pilot and air force officer. He was awarded the Vir Chakra and Vayusena medals, and is credited for shooting down a Pakistan Air Force F-86 Sabre in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Early life Sandhu was born on 23 January 1933 in Layllpur, Punjab, British India. His family moved to Sirsa, Haryana (then Punjab), India after the Partition of India in 1947.

Military career Sandhu was commissioned in May 1954 in the Indian Air Force's Flying Branch as a fighter pilot. He was promoted to flying officer one year later.

The citation for the Vayu Sena Medal noted that by landing the plane, Sandhu not only saved the plane but also allowed the diagnosis of the cause of the flame out.

Sandhu was flying the Folland Gnat at that time, which was one of the latest aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Despite this, the Gnat was not armed with missiles and only had two very powerful 30mm ADEN cannons. The Pakistan Air Force had F-86 Sabers and a squadron of F104 Starfighters. Both these PAF aircraft were armed with missiles.

On 18 September, Sandhu was able to outmaneuver and shoot down a Pakistani Sabre.

In Victor Bingham’s book, Folland Gnat: Sabre-Slayer and Red Arrow, published in 2000, he credits Sandhu with two kills on 18 September: The opposite combat view was that on interception the Gnat section led by Squadron Leader A Sandhu, carried out a half roll, built up speed and climbed out. Sandhu aimed for a deflection shot on the first Sabre and saw shots strike home; then seeing another Sabre he reversed to the left and within 270 degrees in the turn came in line with the enemy aircraft, a quick burst … and the Sabre burst into flames and exploded.

Command of a fighter squadron Sandhu was promoted to wing commander and given command of No. 23 Squadron on 30 November 1970. where he is referred to by the nickname "Kala Sandhu."

In official history of the Indian Air Force of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, he is mentioned as being the third pilot from No. 23 Squadron to have shot down a Sabre.