'The only recorded 'missing man' formation ever flown by a helicopter formation in any air force around the world was flown to honour the martyrs today,' IAF spokesperson Tarun K. Singha said.

A 'finger-four' formation in Mig-21s was also flown.

'Two Dhruv advanced light helicopters belonging to the Himalayan Dragons helicopter unit led the 'finger-four' formation of the Mi-17s,' said Singha.

As the pilot flying in the ring-finger position of the formation pulled-up vertically skywards over the spot where floral wreaths were to be placed at the war memorial, the manoeuvre signified the spiralling away of the fallen aviator heavenwards, turning all eyes moist at the venue.

Pilots of IAF's No. 17 Squadron - 'Golden Arrows' - had Friday flown an iconic four-aircraft 'missing man' at Bathinda airbase formation to pay homage to one of their braveheart pilots, Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, who made the supreme sacrifice May 27, 1999, against the intruders in Kargil.