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WINGS OF VALOUR: True Stories Of Indian Air Force's Daring Operations
After travelling across various airbases in India and engaging with Air Force personnel-including the first generation of Chinook or Prachand helicopter pilots, Garud Commandos, surface-to-air missile operatives and Kargil heroes-Swapnil Pandey presents a collection of true stories that are more awe-inspiring than fiction.
What does it take for an ordinary man to withstand torture for the sake of his nation-and live to tell the tale? What occurred in the last moments of the daring fighter pilots who attained martyrdom even as they paved the way to victory? What goes into the workings of India's finest fighter jets? In these pages, you will find the answers to these questions and more.
From the story of the first airman to receive the nation's highest peacetime gallantry award for ground combat to heroic rescue operations and death-defying wartime feats, Wings of Valour brings you exclusive insights and thrilling accounts of bravery from the Indian Air Force.
What does it take for an ordinary man to withstand torture for the sake of his nation-and live to tell the tale? What occurred in the last moments of the daring fighter pilots who attained martyrdom even as they paved the way to victory? What goes into the workings of India's finest fighter jets? In these pages, you will find the answers to these questions and more.
From the story of the first airman to receive the nation's highest peacetime gallantry award for ground combat to heroic rescue operations and death-defying wartime feats, Wings of Valour brings you exclusive insights and thrilling accounts of bravery from the Indian Air Force.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
8 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Swapnil Pandey
10 books74 followersSwapnil Pandey is a national bestselling author in India, renowned for her extensively researched books that shed light on the lives and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces personnel and their families. Her notable works include Balidan: the stories of Para Special Forces, The Force Behind the Forces and Soldier's Girl which aim to foster greater public awareness and appreciation for the military community. An alumna of Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Swapnil has worked with leading organizations such as Wipro and HDFC. She has also served as a faculty member at Lovely Professional University and the Army Public School.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 30, 2025
" Wings of Valour " is not just a book , it’s a journey into the lives of the brave men and women who keep our skies safe. Swapnil Pandey beautifully captures the courage, compassion, and quiet strength of the Indian Air Force through real stories that touch both the mind and the heart.
What makes this book truly special is how real it feels , you can almost sense the roar of the aircraft, the tension of rescue missions, and the unspoken prayers of families waiting back home. Each chapter shines with authenticity, showing not just the heroism of the uniforms, but also the humanity behind them the fear, the laughter, the brotherhood, and the sense of duty that never fades.
Through her deep research and heartfelt narration, Pandey pays a fitting tribute to those who rise above every storm, guided only by courage and faith. Wings of Valour is more than a military chronicle , it’s an emotional reminder of what it truly means to serve, sacrifice, and soar for the nation.
A book that will leave you inspired, moved, and filled with pride for the tricolour.
What makes this book truly special is how real it feels , you can almost sense the roar of the aircraft, the tension of rescue missions, and the unspoken prayers of families waiting back home. Each chapter shines with authenticity, showing not just the heroism of the uniforms, but also the humanity behind them the fear, the laughter, the brotherhood, and the sense of duty that never fades.
Through her deep research and heartfelt narration, Pandey pays a fitting tribute to those who rise above every storm, guided only by courage and faith. Wings of Valour is more than a military chronicle , it’s an emotional reminder of what it truly means to serve, sacrifice, and soar for the nation.
A book that will leave you inspired, moved, and filled with pride for the tricolour.
October 30, 2025
There are books that inform, and then there are books that stir something deeper, an emotion that words can hardly hold. "Wings of Valour" by Swapnil Pandey is not just another military narrative or patriotic anthology; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the unsung men and women of the Indian Air Force who live on the edge of life and death every single day.
What she attempts here is ambitious, to humanize the uniform, to pull the reader into the cockpit, into the airbase, into those quiet spaces where warriors breathe between missions. Through her eyes, we meet not mere soldiers, but humans, sons, fathers, friends, each driven by an unshakeable love for duty and the sky.
At its core, the book is a mosaic of courage and vulnerability. It explores the emotional architecture of bravery, not as loud heroism, but as quiet endurance.
The author paints courage not as an act, but as a way of life. These airmen aren’t heroes because they don’t feel fear, they are heroes because they feel it every single time and still choose to fly. The book reminds us that true bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to rise above it, often in complete isolation.
The recurring motif of sacrifice runs deep, not only the ultimate sacrifice of life but also the smaller, invisible ones: missing birthdays, funerals, or the birth of a child. The author captures the bittersweet paradox of service, where personal dreams are constantly bartered for national safety.
What makes this book powerful is that it peels off the glorified layer of patriotism and reveals the human beneath the wings, the doubts, the fears, the love that drives them to return home safely. The author's writing honours them not just as warriors but as humans who dare.
The camaraderie between airmen becomes a central emotional current. It’s not just about survival, it’s about trust. When a pilot takes off, he carries not just his mission, but the faith of his comrades. She captures that invisible thread beautifully, that sacred bond which outlasts even death.
✍️ Strengths :
🔸The strongest quality of this book lies in its emotional authenticity. You can sense that the author has listened deeply not as a journalist seeking headlines, but as a human trying to understand. Her empathy permeates every page.
🔸The storytelling is cinematic yet grounded. Each chapter reads like a short film, with crisp pacing and strong emotional hooks. The scenes of helicopter rescues, aerial combat, and wartime resilience are so vividly described that they pulse with life.
🔸Unlike many patriotic works that lean into sentimentality, the book doesn’t glorify war; it honours service. It gives dignity to struggle, not spectacle. That makes it a rare, mature addition to Indian military literature.
🔸The book resonates beyond its military setting, it speaks to anyone who has ever fought a personal battle, faced loss, or chosen courage over comfort. That universality is its biggest triumph.
✒️ Areas for Improvement :
▪️While the stories are individually compelling, the book lacks a strong overarching narrative thread. The transitions sometimes feel abrupt, making it more of a collection than a continuous emotional arc.
▪️Some stories soar with breathtaking depth, others glide too briefly over the surface. The shorter entries leave you yearning for more introspection, especially when dealing with psychological trauma or loss. A bit more vulnerability from the author’s side could have amplified the emotional resonance.
In conclusion, it is not just a book, it’s a reminder. A reminder that courage has a face, that sacrifice has a story, and that the sky isn’t always blue, sometimes it’s streaked with loss, resilience, and hope. The author succeeds in what few authors do, she brings you close enough to feel what it means to serve. You don’t just read about these air warriors; you hear their engines, feel their silences, and walk away humbled by their humanity. In a world that often confuses noise for strength, Wings of Valour quietly reminds us about true valour doesn’t shout, it simply flies.
What she attempts here is ambitious, to humanize the uniform, to pull the reader into the cockpit, into the airbase, into those quiet spaces where warriors breathe between missions. Through her eyes, we meet not mere soldiers, but humans, sons, fathers, friends, each driven by an unshakeable love for duty and the sky.
At its core, the book is a mosaic of courage and vulnerability. It explores the emotional architecture of bravery, not as loud heroism, but as quiet endurance.
The author paints courage not as an act, but as a way of life. These airmen aren’t heroes because they don’t feel fear, they are heroes because they feel it every single time and still choose to fly. The book reminds us that true bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to rise above it, often in complete isolation.
The recurring motif of sacrifice runs deep, not only the ultimate sacrifice of life but also the smaller, invisible ones: missing birthdays, funerals, or the birth of a child. The author captures the bittersweet paradox of service, where personal dreams are constantly bartered for national safety.
What makes this book powerful is that it peels off the glorified layer of patriotism and reveals the human beneath the wings, the doubts, the fears, the love that drives them to return home safely. The author's writing honours them not just as warriors but as humans who dare.
The camaraderie between airmen becomes a central emotional current. It’s not just about survival, it’s about trust. When a pilot takes off, he carries not just his mission, but the faith of his comrades. She captures that invisible thread beautifully, that sacred bond which outlasts even death.
✍️ Strengths :
🔸The strongest quality of this book lies in its emotional authenticity. You can sense that the author has listened deeply not as a journalist seeking headlines, but as a human trying to understand. Her empathy permeates every page.
🔸The storytelling is cinematic yet grounded. Each chapter reads like a short film, with crisp pacing and strong emotional hooks. The scenes of helicopter rescues, aerial combat, and wartime resilience are so vividly described that they pulse with life.
🔸Unlike many patriotic works that lean into sentimentality, the book doesn’t glorify war; it honours service. It gives dignity to struggle, not spectacle. That makes it a rare, mature addition to Indian military literature.
🔸The book resonates beyond its military setting, it speaks to anyone who has ever fought a personal battle, faced loss, or chosen courage over comfort. That universality is its biggest triumph.
✒️ Areas for Improvement :
▪️While the stories are individually compelling, the book lacks a strong overarching narrative thread. The transitions sometimes feel abrupt, making it more of a collection than a continuous emotional arc.
▪️Some stories soar with breathtaking depth, others glide too briefly over the surface. The shorter entries leave you yearning for more introspection, especially when dealing with psychological trauma or loss. A bit more vulnerability from the author’s side could have amplified the emotional resonance.
In conclusion, it is not just a book, it’s a reminder. A reminder that courage has a face, that sacrifice has a story, and that the sky isn’t always blue, sometimes it’s streaked with loss, resilience, and hope. The author succeeds in what few authors do, she brings you close enough to feel what it means to serve. You don’t just read about these air warriors; you hear their engines, feel their silences, and walk away humbled by their humanity. In a world that often confuses noise for strength, Wings of Valour quietly reminds us about true valour doesn’t shout, it simply flies.
October 31, 2025
“You know, up in the air, fighter pilots feel invincible. … But then, imagine the sudden shift when you come out of that comfort zone and feel utterly vulnerable.”
“Wings of Valour” by Swapnil Pandey offers a gripping narrative that delves into the high-pressure world of the Indian Air Force, taking readers on a journey from the intensity of take-off to the quiet introspection of self-doubt, and from treacherous rescue missions to the personal struggles of those who fly, fight, rescue, and survive. Through extensive field research, including visits to air bases and interviews with pilots, commandos, transport crews, and veterans, the author brings these stories to life.
A notable strength of the book is its ability to strike a balance between technical details and personal narratives, as seen in the excerpt about K Nachiketa's ejection during the Kargil War, which highlights both the aircraft's mechanics and the pilot's emotional vulnerability.
One of Pandey's major strengths is his avoidance of romanticizing war and aviation, instead focusing on the complexities of serving in the sky, including the risks, camaraderie, fear, responsibility, and aftermath.
What I liked about this book:-
- Authentic first-hand accounts bring out the human faces behind the Air Force uniform.
- Balances technical aviation action with emotional resonance and personal stakes.
- Broad coverage of different IAF operations makes it accessible even to non-military readers.
- Writing style is vivid and cinematic excellent for storytelling and visuals.
- Presents fresh stories of lesser-known heroes and missions beyond the typical wars that make headlines.
With 'Wings of Valour', Swapnil Pandey delivers a captivating and moving tribute to India's Air Warriors, seamlessly blending factual reporting with emotional depth, making it a highly recommended and impactful read.
“Wings of Valour” by Swapnil Pandey offers a gripping narrative that delves into the high-pressure world of the Indian Air Force, taking readers on a journey from the intensity of take-off to the quiet introspection of self-doubt, and from treacherous rescue missions to the personal struggles of those who fly, fight, rescue, and survive. Through extensive field research, including visits to air bases and interviews with pilots, commandos, transport crews, and veterans, the author brings these stories to life.
A notable strength of the book is its ability to strike a balance between technical details and personal narratives, as seen in the excerpt about K Nachiketa's ejection during the Kargil War, which highlights both the aircraft's mechanics and the pilot's emotional vulnerability.
One of Pandey's major strengths is his avoidance of romanticizing war and aviation, instead focusing on the complexities of serving in the sky, including the risks, camaraderie, fear, responsibility, and aftermath.
What I liked about this book:-
- Authentic first-hand accounts bring out the human faces behind the Air Force uniform.
- Balances technical aviation action with emotional resonance and personal stakes.
- Broad coverage of different IAF operations makes it accessible even to non-military readers.
- Writing style is vivid and cinematic excellent for storytelling and visuals.
- Presents fresh stories of lesser-known heroes and missions beyond the typical wars that make headlines.
With 'Wings of Valour', Swapnil Pandey delivers a captivating and moving tribute to India's Air Warriors, seamlessly blending factual reporting with emotional depth, making it a highly recommended and impactful read.
November 7, 2025
I'm blown away by Swapnil Pandey's 'Wings of Valor .This book isn't just a normal read but this is an informative one. I didn't know things earlier about our Indian Air Force that I know now after reading this book.
This book is a gripping read about the Indian Air Force (IAF), highlighting the real heroes behind military success. Apart from celebrating heroism, it highlights these courageous people's humanity—their fear, tenacity, uncertainty, and sacrifices. The stories provide an unfiltered glimpse into military bravery through a variety of operations, including air crashes, rescues, anti-terror raids, and surgical strikes. And with these amazing tales, Pandey accomplishes just that. The courageous men and women of the Indian Air Force are honored in this emotional way. Through in-depth discussions with hundreds of air-warriors, Pandey has created a story that is compelling and fluid. From the intensity of precision strikes to the heartbreaking tales of sacrifice, the stories will transport you on an emotional rollercoaster. As stated in a testimonial, 'This book is a must-read for every Indian, every member of the armed forces, and anyone interested in military history.'
The writing is engaging, and the stories will keep you overwhelmed and proud from start to finish.
If you're looking for a book that not only inspires you, motivates you but leave you feeling proud and emotional to be Indian, 'Wings of Valor' is a must-read.
This book is a gripping read about the Indian Air Force (IAF), highlighting the real heroes behind military success. Apart from celebrating heroism, it highlights these courageous people's humanity—their fear, tenacity, uncertainty, and sacrifices. The stories provide an unfiltered glimpse into military bravery through a variety of operations, including air crashes, rescues, anti-terror raids, and surgical strikes. And with these amazing tales, Pandey accomplishes just that. The courageous men and women of the Indian Air Force are honored in this emotional way. Through in-depth discussions with hundreds of air-warriors, Pandey has created a story that is compelling and fluid. From the intensity of precision strikes to the heartbreaking tales of sacrifice, the stories will transport you on an emotional rollercoaster. As stated in a testimonial, 'This book is a must-read for every Indian, every member of the armed forces, and anyone interested in military history.'
The writing is engaging, and the stories will keep you overwhelmed and proud from start to finish.
If you're looking for a book that not only inspires you, motivates you but leave you feeling proud and emotional to be Indian, 'Wings of Valor' is a must-read.
October 31, 2025
Have you ever wondered how typical is life of an IAF person?
How do they stay motivated to fight for nation in air without the fear of losing lives but saving nation from dangers?
I never got to read any book about INDIAN ARMED FORCES, it was only through news that I had known what I knew about this so courageous force.
Topping 3rd rank globally, IAF made the world feel proud.
Who isn't aware of May 2025 , the month that brought pain in form of warship handled by India due to Pakistan. Operation Sindoor, nobody could forget the fear and undeniable truth India faced and besides how Indian Army, IAF , NAVY and other forces were actively answerimg the attacks.
Author Swapnil pandey brought us a book which covers stories of IAFs and their families sacrifice, unnoticed commendable sacrificial stories , various operations that took place and how IAF fought the battles.
She interviewed IAF chiefs, people and went to them to learn and recite their lives with readers.
I found this book one in a store that talks about success stories of IAF, their determined service and journey from battles to achievements.
Operation kaveri, Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Pawan and Indian peace keeping operations were all new to get educated about and feel proud 🤍
Do pick this book and don't forget to salute IAF 🇮🇳
How do they stay motivated to fight for nation in air without the fear of losing lives but saving nation from dangers?
I never got to read any book about INDIAN ARMED FORCES, it was only through news that I had known what I knew about this so courageous force.
Topping 3rd rank globally, IAF made the world feel proud.
Who isn't aware of May 2025 , the month that brought pain in form of warship handled by India due to Pakistan. Operation Sindoor, nobody could forget the fear and undeniable truth India faced and besides how Indian Army, IAF , NAVY and other forces were actively answerimg the attacks.
Author Swapnil pandey brought us a book which covers stories of IAFs and their families sacrifice, unnoticed commendable sacrificial stories , various operations that took place and how IAF fought the battles.
She interviewed IAF chiefs, people and went to them to learn and recite their lives with readers.
I found this book one in a store that talks about success stories of IAF, their determined service and journey from battles to achievements.
Operation kaveri, Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Pawan and Indian peace keeping operations were all new to get educated about and feel proud 🤍
Do pick this book and don't forget to salute IAF 🇮🇳
November 6, 2025
Effective rating : 4.5
Wings of Valour isn’t just a book—it’s a heartbeat. Swapnil Pandey takes you deep into the soul of the Indian Air Force, not through dry facts or distant heroics, but through stories that breathe, bleed, and soar. The writing is crisp, cinematic, and grounded in real conversations with pilots, Garud commandos, helicopter crews, and veterans. You feel the adrenaline, the fear, the grit—and most importantly, the humanity.
What struck me most was how Pandey balances the grandeur of aerial missions with intimate, vulnerable moments. From daring dogfights to quiet reflections, she paints a full picture of what it means to wear the uniform. One unforgettable chapter recounts a pilot’s ejection during the Kargil War and his capture—raw, vivid, and deeply moving.
The ropeway rescue led by Group Captain Yogesh Kandalkar and his team is another standout. It’s not just a tale of skill and leadership—it’s a masterclass in grace under pressure. Goosebumps guaranteed.
This book doesn’t just inform—it transforms. It reminds you that courage isn’t abstract. It has a face, a voice, and a story. You walk away not just inspired, but humbled.
If you’re looking for a read that blends patriotism with emotional depth, Wings of Valour is your wingman. It’s a tribute, a lesson, and a call to rise above.
Wings of Valour isn’t just a book—it’s a heartbeat. Swapnil Pandey takes you deep into the soul of the Indian Air Force, not through dry facts or distant heroics, but through stories that breathe, bleed, and soar. The writing is crisp, cinematic, and grounded in real conversations with pilots, Garud commandos, helicopter crews, and veterans. You feel the adrenaline, the fear, the grit—and most importantly, the humanity.
What struck me most was how Pandey balances the grandeur of aerial missions with intimate, vulnerable moments. From daring dogfights to quiet reflections, she paints a full picture of what it means to wear the uniform. One unforgettable chapter recounts a pilot’s ejection during the Kargil War and his capture—raw, vivid, and deeply moving.
The ropeway rescue led by Group Captain Yogesh Kandalkar and his team is another standout. It’s not just a tale of skill and leadership—it’s a masterclass in grace under pressure. Goosebumps guaranteed.
This book doesn’t just inform—it transforms. It reminds you that courage isn’t abstract. It has a face, a voice, and a story. You walk away not just inspired, but humbled.
If you’re looking for a read that blends patriotism with emotional depth, Wings of Valour is your wingman. It’s a tribute, a lesson, and a call to rise above.
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November 5, 2025Wings of Valour by Swapnil Pandey is a powerful collection of true stories about the brave men and women of the Indian Air Force. The book takes readers through daring rescue missions, intense battles, and deeply human moments behind the uniform. Each chapter shines light upon courage, sacrifice, and resilience that define the IAF from Operation Sindoor to Operation Kaveri. It is a heartfelt salute to those who guard our skies with pride and compassion.
What I liked most about this book is that it is so real, so emotional. Swapnil Pandey's writing is simple, yet so deep that the heartbeat of the air warriors she is penning skips a beat in your heart. The survival tales of Flight Lieutenant Nachiketa, bravery by the Garud commandos, and Deoghar Cable Car rescue-these stories are gut-wrenching. You can see the research and the empathy with which each story has been written. She does not glorify war; she honours service and humanity.
Wings of Valour is not a mere war book; it's a lesson in what courage, discipline, and sacrifice really mean. It leaves you humbled and proud of the Indian Air Force. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the real meaning of valour and duty.
What I liked most about this book is that it is so real, so emotional. Swapnil Pandey's writing is simple, yet so deep that the heartbeat of the air warriors she is penning skips a beat in your heart. The survival tales of Flight Lieutenant Nachiketa, bravery by the Garud commandos, and Deoghar Cable Car rescue-these stories are gut-wrenching. You can see the research and the empathy with which each story has been written. She does not glorify war; she honours service and humanity.
Wings of Valour is not a mere war book; it's a lesson in what courage, discipline, and sacrifice really mean. It leaves you humbled and proud of the Indian Air Force. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the real meaning of valour and duty.
November 1, 2025
after reading this book, my perspective towards bravery has completely changed. It actually takes courage to fight for a country without knowing what can happen in the future. The author has captured the lives and struggles of the real life heroes from the Indian Air Force who fought to end tyrants rule. After travelling across Indian airbases and meeting hundreds of Air Force personnels, the author brings out their extraordinary journeys to life in this book.
It captures the journeys of the heroes that no one talks about in detail and how they returned victorious. We find some pictures in the book that add to the experience of the readers. These are all the true stories of courage, sacrifice, and honour, thus end up inspiring more people than the fiction reads.
every book is a journey and when you come to an end, you find a conclusion. After reading this book, I have realised how important it is for us to know more about such brave and success stories. Not only they inspire us, but show what it takes to be responsible citizen.
If you are someone who finds reading real life stories like a blessing, then this book is for you.
It captures the journeys of the heroes that no one talks about in detail and how they returned victorious. We find some pictures in the book that add to the experience of the readers. These are all the true stories of courage, sacrifice, and honour, thus end up inspiring more people than the fiction reads.
every book is a journey and when you come to an end, you find a conclusion. After reading this book, I have realised how important it is for us to know more about such brave and success stories. Not only they inspire us, but show what it takes to be responsible citizen.
If you are someone who finds reading real life stories like a blessing, then this book is for you.
October 16, 2025
"Wings of Valour by Swapnil Pandey" is a deeply moving and powerful book that celebrates the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of the Indian Air Force. Through real stories of bravery, the author takes us into the lives of those who soar through danger every single day ~ not just as soldiers, but as humans with dreams, fears, and families waiting back home.
Each chapter feels alive ~ filled with heart, honour, and emotion. You can almost feel the roar of the jets, the pulse of the battlefield, and the quiet strength of those who never ask for glory. Author writes with so much sincerity that these stories don’t just stay on paper, they stay in your heart.
"Wings of Valour" is not just a tribute to our air warriors, it’s a reminder of what true courage looks like ~ facing the sky, uncertain but unafraid. Highly recommended this book.
Each chapter feels alive ~ filled with heart, honour, and emotion. You can almost feel the roar of the jets, the pulse of the battlefield, and the quiet strength of those who never ask for glory. Author writes with so much sincerity that these stories don’t just stay on paper, they stay in your heart.
"Wings of Valour" is not just a tribute to our air warriors, it’s a reminder of what true courage looks like ~ facing the sky, uncertain but unafraid. Highly recommended this book.
October 31, 2025
Wings of Valour by Swapnil Pandey is a deeply inspiring tribute to the heroes of the Indian Air Force — men and women whose courage, skill, and sacrifice define the spirit of “Touch the Sky with Glory.”
Pandey's extensive research and heartfelt storytelling brings to life incredible real-life missions such as Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and the Deoghar Cable Car Rescue, one of the most daring ropeway evacuations in Indian history.
The book also honours the bravery of the Garud Commandos, India’s elite special forces, and pays solemn tribute to fallen heroes.
Blending precision with emotion, Pandey’s writing makes every story pulse with humanity and pride. A must-read that salutes India’s real sky warriors.
Pandey's extensive research and heartfelt storytelling brings to life incredible real-life missions such as Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and the Deoghar Cable Car Rescue, one of the most daring ropeway evacuations in Indian history.
The book also honours the bravery of the Garud Commandos, India’s elite special forces, and pays solemn tribute to fallen heroes.
Blending precision with emotion, Pandey’s writing makes every story pulse with humanity and pride. A must-read that salutes India’s real sky warriors.
November 1, 2025
Wings of Valour by Swapnil Pandey is not just an air force account; it's an emotional tribute to the people who make up the Indian Air Force. These stories linger long, particularly those moments when officers confront death with bravery and acceptance.
The author's research shows through each and every detail of this book, be it the terrain descriptions or the emotional turmoil the officers are going through. Though a factual nonfiction, this book never runs dry. The author's words radiate warmth and cinematic vividness.
Themes of sacrifice, patriotism and fighting for freedom dominate the book. This one made me realise how much we take peace for granted.
This one is a must-read for all Indians to know what courage looks like when duty calls.
The author's research shows through each and every detail of this book, be it the terrain descriptions or the emotional turmoil the officers are going through. Though a factual nonfiction, this book never runs dry. The author's words radiate warmth and cinematic vividness.
Themes of sacrifice, patriotism and fighting for freedom dominate the book. This one made me realise how much we take peace for granted.
This one is a must-read for all Indians to know what courage looks like when duty calls.
November 8, 2025
India's position in international platforms has always been commendable. Its stand in rescuing through various search operations and rescue missions. These moments of pride are sometimes unexplainable being an Indian citizen, but what if you get to read the first-hand, well-researched stories of those moments by the personnel themselves brought to you in the name "Wings of Valour".
This is a great take on helping people understand how operations are planned, processed and implemented. Especially what all it takes to conduct a successful operation which is necessary to rescue or protect the diaspora against the enemy country. In these true stories of heroes, their courage, commendable dedication, technological advancements in their beastly gears, the commanders work through times.
This is a great take on helping people understand how operations are planned, processed and implemented. Especially what all it takes to conduct a successful operation which is necessary to rescue or protect the diaspora against the enemy country. In these true stories of heroes, their courage, commendable dedication, technological advancements in their beastly gears, the commanders work through times.
October 29, 2025
“Wings of Valour” is a profoundly inspiring and captivating book that immerses readers in the real-life spirit of courage, discipline, and unwavering teamwork that defines our air warriors. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt narratives, the book goes beyond tales of flying machines — it reveals the indomitable human spirit that soars above fear, hardship, and uncertainty. Every page is a tribute to the men and women who don the uniform with pride, reminding us that true valour lies not just in battle, but in the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that fuel their journey.
November 9, 2025
Wings of Valour is a powerful collection of real-life stories from the Indian Air Force — stories of courage, sacrifice, and unshakable spirit. The book takes us behind the scenes of some of the most daring operations carried out by our air warriors.
Swapnil Pandey’s writing is crisp and filled with emotion. Each chapter not only celebrates bravery but also gives a glimpse into the human side of those who serve the nation. The detailed account of Operation Sindoor is especially gripping and inspiring.
Swapnil Pandey’s writing is crisp and filled with emotion. Each chapter not only celebrates bravery but also gives a glimpse into the human side of those who serve the nation. The detailed account of Operation Sindoor is especially gripping and inspiring.
October 7, 2025
loving book of this era!
December 15, 2025
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖: 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐑
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐍𝐈𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐘
☁︎ Military storytelling often dwells on ground operations, infantry battles and covert raids. No? So when a book turns its lens upward - into the skies, onto the roar of jet engines and the lives of air-warriors - these add fresh perspectives. 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐑 steps into space.
☁︎ The author is here as a writer of Indian armed forces - the book is all about the brave Indian Air Force (IAF) and allied crews : fighter pilots, rescue helicopters, special operations and less told episodes of unknown aviation valour.
☁︎ The author has done significant research: his sources include conversations with hundreds of air warriors - fighter pilots, helicopter crews, Garud commandos, veterans and support staff. The narrative is the main reason that the journeys felt so smooth and not over dramatic in a certain way. It jumps between timelines, flashes between the cockpit and the home front, the training days and those final missions. This book makes visible to the realistic heroes behind a military success whom we have forgotten or maybe they are left unknown to us.
☁︎ The author does not glorify the heroics but the author tries to bring human dimension like fear, grit, uncertainty, the sacrifices also have a certain effect on those brave souls. Every feeling tells a story. Not hypothetical but realist. While the book is not a biography, this teaches us a lot. Various stories portray how IAF echoes through India's path of success and challenges. They are the heroes who are left behind their uniforms.
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫.
☁︎ Since this book explores various points of IAF life - some plots lack deep research. As I would love to hear about that plot in a particular way. So, if you love technical or military exploration analysis of every mission, this might feel a little dry but not too much. The narrative also flows back and forth which may be an understandable issue here if someone can ignore that. For others, it might feel fragmented.
☁︎ If you are someone who loves to read real life ambitions, courage, military histories and aviation journeys - then don't wait for such a long time! Don't miss the chance to relive through this journey. Stories are made with great effort and in a compelling way so that everyone - including those who are not into military ethics and planning - can deep dive into the lines of the pages.
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐍𝐈𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐘
☁︎ Military storytelling often dwells on ground operations, infantry battles and covert raids. No? So when a book turns its lens upward - into the skies, onto the roar of jet engines and the lives of air-warriors - these add fresh perspectives. 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐑 steps into space.
☁︎ The author is here as a writer of Indian armed forces - the book is all about the brave Indian Air Force (IAF) and allied crews : fighter pilots, rescue helicopters, special operations and less told episodes of unknown aviation valour.
☁︎ The author has done significant research: his sources include conversations with hundreds of air warriors - fighter pilots, helicopter crews, Garud commandos, veterans and support staff. The narrative is the main reason that the journeys felt so smooth and not over dramatic in a certain way. It jumps between timelines, flashes between the cockpit and the home front, the training days and those final missions. This book makes visible to the realistic heroes behind a military success whom we have forgotten or maybe they are left unknown to us.
☁︎ The author does not glorify the heroics but the author tries to bring human dimension like fear, grit, uncertainty, the sacrifices also have a certain effect on those brave souls. Every feeling tells a story. Not hypothetical but realist. While the book is not a biography, this teaches us a lot. Various stories portray how IAF echoes through India's path of success and challenges. They are the heroes who are left behind their uniforms.
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫.
☁︎ Since this book explores various points of IAF life - some plots lack deep research. As I would love to hear about that plot in a particular way. So, if you love technical or military exploration analysis of every mission, this might feel a little dry but not too much. The narrative also flows back and forth which may be an understandable issue here if someone can ignore that. For others, it might feel fragmented.
☁︎ If you are someone who loves to read real life ambitions, courage, military histories and aviation journeys - then don't wait for such a long time! Don't miss the chance to relive through this journey. Stories are made with great effort and in a compelling way so that everyone - including those who are not into military ethics and planning - can deep dive into the lines of the pages.
January 15, 2026
This is not a book that romanticises war; it throws light on the people who live and at times die for the country! Wings of Valour by Swapnil Pandey paints a picture that makes us soar through the skies of courage and gently lands into the hearts of those who wear the Air Force blues.
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The book spans eight chapters, with a stirring prologue; it pays homage to the indomitable spirit of the IAF, its gutsy operations, silent sacrifices, and very human heroes. Thus, beginning with Operation Sindoor, the reader is set on his voyage relating to tales of duty written not in ink but in sky trails and blood.
.
From the audacious rescue mission in Sudan under Operation Kaveri to the breathtaking Deoghar Cable Car rescue, the humanitarian chapters reveal the Air Force as more than a war machine it’s a lifeline when the world collapses. The section on the Garud Commandos is deeply moving: stories of Corporal Gursevek Singh, Sergeant Milind Kishor Khairnar, and Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala remind us that valour sometimes wears a mortal face.
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Then comes Operation Safed Sagar, with Flight Lieutenant Kambhampati Nachiketa’s near-mythic account a man who challenged death thrice, survived capture, and returned home as a symbol of endurance. The later chapters on Operation Pawan and Jaffna University Helidrop uncover the forgotten grit of peacekeeping missions, while “The Might of the Indian Air Force” binds all these threads into a single, beating pulse of patriotism and pride.
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It technically fuses reportage with empathy in a manner detailed, yet emotionally immersive. The photographs provided are not fillers; they were pauses for breath, with each image serving as a testament to resilience and remembrance.
.
The author doesn't look like an outsider; she writes like one who has experienced the weight of the uniform, the silence that follows after the jets return to base.
Wings of Valour is more than a book; it's a living archive of courage, compassion, and the sky-bound soul of a force that protects with heart and steel.
.
The book spans eight chapters, with a stirring prologue; it pays homage to the indomitable spirit of the IAF, its gutsy operations, silent sacrifices, and very human heroes. Thus, beginning with Operation Sindoor, the reader is set on his voyage relating to tales of duty written not in ink but in sky trails and blood.
.
From the audacious rescue mission in Sudan under Operation Kaveri to the breathtaking Deoghar Cable Car rescue, the humanitarian chapters reveal the Air Force as more than a war machine it’s a lifeline when the world collapses. The section on the Garud Commandos is deeply moving: stories of Corporal Gursevek Singh, Sergeant Milind Kishor Khairnar, and Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala remind us that valour sometimes wears a mortal face.
.
Then comes Operation Safed Sagar, with Flight Lieutenant Kambhampati Nachiketa’s near-mythic account a man who challenged death thrice, survived capture, and returned home as a symbol of endurance. The later chapters on Operation Pawan and Jaffna University Helidrop uncover the forgotten grit of peacekeeping missions, while “The Might of the Indian Air Force” binds all these threads into a single, beating pulse of patriotism and pride.
.
It technically fuses reportage with empathy in a manner detailed, yet emotionally immersive. The photographs provided are not fillers; they were pauses for breath, with each image serving as a testament to resilience and remembrance.
.
The author doesn't look like an outsider; she writes like one who has experienced the weight of the uniform, the silence that follows after the jets return to base.
Wings of Valour is more than a book; it's a living archive of courage, compassion, and the sky-bound soul of a force that protects with heart and steel.
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