…Wing Commander Akshay Saxena Honored for Daring Air-Drop Raid
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has awarded a gallantry medal to Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, the pilot of a C-17 transport aircraft, for his critical role in rescuing the Bulgarian-operated bulker Ruen from Somali pirates in a high-risk mission in the Arabian Sea.
The incident began on December 14, 2023, when Somali pirates seized the Ruen, taking 17 crew members hostage. After navigating the vessel towards Somalia, the pirates attempted to use it as a mother ship for further attacks. However, on March 15, 2024, the Indian Navy intercepted the Ruen about 260 nautical miles east of Somalia using the warships INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra.
To bring the standoff to a safe conclusion, a bold plan was devised: a team of 18 marine commandos would be air-dropped into the ocean near the vessel.
Saxena led the C-17 mission, flying undetected through another nation’s airspace for four hours with all transmitters switched off. At the drop zone, Saxena demonstrated exceptional skill and adaptability, executing a flawless low-level drop under the threat of small arms fire. The marine commandos parachuted into the water, boarded the Ruen, and captured 35 pirates, freeing the hostages without further violence.
The Indian Ministry of Defense praised Saxena for his “exceptional courage, leadership, and professionalism”, highlighting the high-risk nature of the mission.
Navy Commends Lieutenant Commander Sourabh Malik
In another commendable anti-piracy operation, Lieutenant Commander Sourabh Malik of the Indian Navy was also recommended for a gallantry medal. On February 2, 2024, Malik and his team aboard INS Sharda executed a dangerous boarding of the hijacked Iranian dhow Omari.
The pirates aboard Omari fiercely resisted, using heavy small arms fire. Despite the opposition, Malik’s team successfully captured seven pirates and freed 19 fishermen. The operation was hailed as a testament to the Indian Navy’s resolve and combat readiness in maintaining maritime security.
India’s Rising Role in Maritime Security
These daring missions underscore India’s growing leadership in anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean region. By leveraging coordination between the Navy and Air Force, India continues to ensure the safety of international shipping lanes while showcasing its strategic capabilities on the global stage.
