The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal were brought back to his native village in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, where his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer herself, paid an emotional farewell to her husband and fellow officer. Wing Commander Syal died on Friday, November 21, after the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1) he was flying crashed during an event in Dubai. The 34-year-old pilot from Kangra district is survived by his wife, their six-year-old daughter and his parents.
IAF Officer Wife Salutes Husband
In visuals shared by ANI, Wing Commander Afshan was seen paying her last respects to her husband with tears in her eyes. She also offered a salute as she bid farewell, honouring him as both her partner and a fellow IAF officer. Wing Commander Namansh Syal was also honoured with a gun salute by IAF personnel as his mortal remains arrived in his native village.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Wing Commander Afshan salutes her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, as she pays her last respects to him.
Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life in the LCA Tejas crash in Dubai on 21st November. pic.twitter.com/DPKwARut4r
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025
Village Gathers For Final Rites
The last rites of the 34-year-old, described by the IAF as a “dedicated fighter pilot” and “thorough professional”, will take place in his village, Patialkar. Several villagers gathered to see Wing Commander Syal one last time before the final rites were performed.
#WATCH | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh | Gun salute given to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the LCA Tejas crash in Dubai on 21st November. pic.twitter.com/m8EdbmKVsu
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025
