Who is BS Dhanoa? The Real-Life IAF Officer in Operation Safed Sagar

The actor Jimmy Shergill’s performance of Wing Commander BS Dhanoa in Netflix’s Operation Safed Sagar has put the spotlight on one of the Indian Air Force officers who was key to India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War. Birender Singh Dhanoa was commanding officer of the IAF’s No. 17 Squadron or the Golden Arrows at that time when Indian fighter aircrafts were employed in the high-altitude war. The command of Operation Safed Sagar – the IAF’s air offensive mission in the Kargil War became another milestone of his military career. Later, Dhanoa became the Chief of the Air Staff which made him an unusual case of a successful fighter pilot becoming an Air Chief.

Who is BS Dhanoa?

Birender Singh Dhanoa, commonly known as BS Dhanoa, was commissioned as fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force in June 1978. During his military career he had been flying such frontline fighter aircraft as MiG-21, Jaguar, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI. Additionally, Dhanoa was a flying instructor.

During the Kargil War in 1999 he was commanding the No. 17 Squadron of the IAF (the Golden Arrows). It operated MiG-21 fighters and took an active part in Operation Safed Sagar.

BS Dhanoa and Operation Safed Sagar

The Kargil war posed a very tough operational situation for the Indian Air Force. The fighter planes had to perform in the mountains at high altitudes whereas the pilots also had to cope with tough weather and visibility conditions.

However, under the leadership of BS Dhanoa, the Golden Arrows adjusted their operational approach according to the tough situation. It is mentioned in the official biographical record of the officer that the squadron developed unique methods for night bombing at high altitudes which show how difficult it was for the IAF pilots to perform during the war.

The squadron was later rated the best fighter squadron of HQ Western Air Command. Dhanoa received Yudh Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal for his services during the Kargil War.

From Kargil Commander to Air Chief

BS Dhanoa’s military career saw continuous promotions after Kargil War. He served in various command positions of IAF, including posts at Air HQ and Western & Eastern Air Commands.

He took up position as Chief of the Air Staff in December 2016. Dhanoa was the Air Chief till September 2019 while he also served as Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee in 2019.

During his term as Air Chief, IAF witnessed a phase of many operations, including Balakot air strikes in February 2019. Thus, the military career of Dhanoa covered everything from piloting fighter aircraft and commanding the squadron during Kargil to becoming the chief of the whole Indian Air Force.

Why is BS Dhanoa relevant to Operation Safed Sagar?

BS Dhanoa is not just featured as a character in the Netflix series but has also been associated with the production of the series as an adviser who has talked about the significance of highlighting the contribution of the Indian Air Force during the Kargil War.

The history of Operation Safed Sagar offers a unique insight into the Kargil War as the IAF played a crucial role alongside the ground forces during the war.

This experience of Dhanoa had been historical and personal as well because while recalling the first days of the Kargil conflict, Dhanoa had said that their squadron was unaware of its mobilization towards battle until the month of May in 1999.