Flying Officer PR Ramchandani

Flying Officer Prem Ramsingh Ramchandani hailed from Mumbai, Maharashtra, and was born on 19 October 1941. From an early age, he displayed a keen sense of purpose and a strong inclination towards serving the nation, aspirations that eventually guided him towards a career in military aviation. At the age of 21, he was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 22 June 1963, marking the formal beginning of his life in uniform. Opting for the demanding flying stream, he underwent rigorous training as a fighter pilot, a role that called for exceptional skill, mental agility, and courage. He successfully completed this training as part of the 84th Pilots’ Course, earning his wings and qualifying to fly high-performance combat aircraft of the era.

By 1965, Flying Officer Ramchandani had completed barely two years of service, yet fate placed him at the forefront of history when war broke out between India and Pakistan. Despite his limited service experience, he was swiftly drawn into active combat operations, reflecting both the intensity of the conflict and the confidence reposed in young fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force. Thus, at a very early stage of his career, Flying Officer Prem Ramsingh Ramchandani found himself operating in a high-threat wartime environment—an experience that would test his training, resolve, and dedication to duty, and firmly establish him among a generation of young air warriors who answered the nation’s call without hesitation.

Offensive Air Operation (Indo-Pak War): 22 Sep 1965

During the 1965 Indo–Pakistan War, Flying Officer Prem Ramsingh Ramchandani was serving with No. 3 Squadron, Indian Air Force, famously known as the “Cobras”, and based at Air Force Station Pathankot. One of the oldest and most battle-hardened fighter squadrons of the Indian Air Force, No. 3 Squadron had been raised at Peshawar on 1 October 1941, under the command of Squadron Leader NAN Bray, shortly after the raising of No. 2 Squadron. Over the decades, the unit had built a formidable combat reputation. By 1965, the squadron was equipped with Mystère IVa fighter aircraft and was commanded by Wing Commander Paul Cecil Roby. As hostilities intensified in the Chhamb sector on 1 September 1965, No. 3 Squadron was among the first IAF units to be called into action. On the very first day of major fighting, the squadron launched its initial offensive sorties, carrying out multiple attacks against Targets of Opportunity to support the Indian Army’s operations across the International Border. On the evening of 1 September, No. 3 Squadron, operating alongside No. 31 Squadron, mounted a remarkable air effort—flying 16 sorties in just 45 minutes—against advancing Pakistani armoured formations at Chhamb. This rapid and concentrated air action played a crucial role in blunting enemy momentum at a critical stage of the ground battle.

Midway through the conflict, a change of command took place when Wing Commander S. Bhattacharya assumed command of the squadron after Wing Commander Roby fell ill. Undeterred by the leadership transition, No. 3 Squadron continued to maintain a relentless operational tempo, undertaking interdiction and close air support (CAS) missions throughout the war. The squadron distinguished itself further during operations in the Chawinda sector, where on 19 September 1965, it successfully attacked and destroyed a sizeable concentration of Pakistani armour. Flying Officer Ramchandani actively participated in numerous combat missions during this intense period. Despite his young age and limited years of service, he displayed courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment, contributing significantly to the squadron’s wartime objectives. On 22 September 1965, Flying Officer Ramchandani was detailed for yet another operational mission, with Flight Lieutenant Doraiswami—on his 21st operational sortie—leading the formation. However, in the fluid and fast-changing battlefield conditions, the originally assigned targets had changed hands. Unaware of this development, the Mystère aircraft attacked positions that were, by then, held by own troops. When Indian forces returned fire to stop the attack, Flying Officer Ramchandani’s aircraft was hit and caught fire. With his aircraft engulfed in flames, he ejected successfully, but while descending by parachute, he was fired upon by enemy forces, sustaining serious injuries. He was evacuated to a nearby military hospital, where he fought bravely for survival. Tragically, Flying Officer Prem Ramsingh Ramchandani succumbed to his injuries on 26 September 1965, just weeks short of his 24th birthday. His sacrifice stands as a poignant reminder of the hazards of air combat and the supreme dedication of India’s air warriors. Flying Officer P. R. Ramchandani was a gallant fighter pilot and a committed soldier who laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force, in the service of the nation.

• A road in Mumbai has been named to commemorate the sacrifice of Fg Offr Prem Ramchandani. Prem Ramchandani Marg, which starts from the Taj Mahal Palace and extends till the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, was formerly known as Strand Road with the once-prominent Strand Cinema in the vicinity. 
• A road has been named in Sant Hirdaram Nagar in Bhopal after Fg Offr Prem Ramchandani in his honour.