Key Highlights:
Ajit Krishnan Recalled by IAF Amid Escalating Indo-Pak Tensions
Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, one of the four Indian Air Force officers selected for India’s inaugural human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, has been urgently recalled to active duty by the IAF. This decision comes in the wake of escalating military tensions with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.
Background on Ajit Krishnan
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2003, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan is a seasoned test pilot and flying instructor with nearly 2,900 hours of flying experience. His expertise spans several aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Dornier, and An-32. Krishnan is among the select few chosen for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s ambitious endeavor to send humans into space.
Circumstances Leading to the Recall
While attending the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2025) in Delhi, Krishnan received orders from the IAF to return to his unit. He confirmed the recall, stating, “I have been called back by the IAF… due to the current situation” . The recall aligns with India’s heightened military alertness following precision airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, a response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Impact on the Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan mission, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aims to send a three-member crew into low Earth orbit for a three-day mission, with a planned launch in early 2027. Krishnan, along with fellow astronaut-designate Angad Pratap, has been undergoing rigorous training in India. The other two astronauts, Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth B Nair, are currently training in the United States for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission .
Despite Krishnan’s recall, ISRO officials have indicated that the astronaut training program remains on schedule. The organization continues to collaborate with both Indian and Russian space agencies to establish a dedicated astronaut training center in Bengaluru, ensuring the mission’s objectives are met without compromise.
What Lies Ahead
Group Captain Ajit Krishnan’s recall underscores the delicate balance between national security and scientific advancement. As India navigates the complexities of geopolitical tensions and its aspirations in space exploration, the commitment of officers like Krishnan exemplifies the nation’s dedication to both defense and innovation.India Today+1VND+1
Stay updated with the latest from Hindustan Herald — your trusted source for
Politics, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, and More.
📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube
🔔 Join our Telegram channel @hindustanherald
