BS Dhanoa: The IAF Officer Behind Operation Safed Sagar in Kargil War

Jimmy Shergill's portrayal of Wing Commander BS Dhanoa in Netflix's Operation Safed Sagar has drawn attention to the Indian Air Force officer who played a key role in India's success in the 1999 Kargil War. Birender Singh Dhanoa was commanding officer of the IAF's No. 17 Squadron, known as the Golden Arrows, at the time when Indian fighter aircraft operated in the high-altitude conflict. Leading Operation Safed Sagar, the IAF's air offensive during the Kargil War, became a defining moment in his career. He later rose to become Chief of the Air Staff, making him a rare example of a fighter pilot reaching that position.

Early Career and Role in Kargil War

Birender Singh Dhanoa, widely known as BS Dhanoa, was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force in June 1978. Over his career he flew frontline fighter aircraft including the MiG-21, Jaguar, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI, and also served as a flying instructor.

During the 1999 Kargil War, he commanded the IAF's No. 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows, which flew MiG-21 fighters and took an active part in Operation Safed Sagar.

Leading Operation Safed Sagar

The Kargil War presented a demanding operational challenge for the Indian Air Force, with fighter aircraft required to operate in mountainous, high-altitude terrain while pilots also contended with difficult weather and visibility conditions.

Under Dhanoa's leadership, the Golden Arrows adapted their approach to these conditions. According to his official biographical record, the squadron devised distinctive methods for night bombing at high altitudes, reflecting the difficulty IAF pilots faced during the war.

The squadron was subsequently rated the best fighter squadron of Headquarters Western Air Command. Dhanoa was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal in recognition of his service during the Kargil War.

From Kargil Commander to Air Chief

Dhanoa's career continued to advance after the Kargil War, with postings in various command roles across the IAF, including positions at Air Headquarters and the Western and Eastern Air Commands.

He was appointed Chief of the Air Staff in December 2016 and held the position until September 2019, also serving as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee in 2019.

His tenure as Air Chief coincided with a period of significant IAF operations, including the Balakot air strikes in February 2019. His career thus spanned flying fighter jets and commanding a squadron during the Kargil War to eventually leading the entire Indian Air Force.

Connection to the Netflix Series

BS Dhanoa is not only portrayed as a character in the Netflix series but has also been involved with its production as an adviser, speaking about the importance of highlighting the Indian Air Force's contribution during the Kargil War.

The story of Operation Safed Sagar provides insight into the Kargil War, given the crucial role the IAF played alongside ground forces.

Dhanoa's connection to this history is both personal and historical, as he has recalled that his squadron was unaware it would be mobilised for battle until May 1999.