101 Squadron and COO Hashimara

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After the war Chopra went on to serve as COO of Hashimara (then commanded by Laxman Katre). When the Indian Air Force purchased Sukhoi-7s, Chopra went to the Soviet Union for conversion, and upon return served in 101 Squadron at Adampur before heading off for Staff College. On return from Staff College came action again, this time with 108 Squadron during the 1971 Ops. Chopra served as Deputy Flight Commander during operations out of Halwara, flying numerous tank-busting missions in his Su-7.

After the war, came a stint at Air Headquarters followed by tenure as instructor at College of Air Warfare in Secunderabad. After completion of tenure, Chopra served as Flight Commander of 20 Squadron at Pathankot and Hindon flying Hunters. In December 1976, after completing 20 years of service, Chopra retired. In 1979, following a sudden heart attack, he passed away at home.

The family tradition continues: his son Ashutosh Chopra was commissioned in the 138th pilots course, and is an A-2 QFI and FSL with over 2000 hours on the Jaguar.

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Air Force Day 1966 Investiture for VM and VSM awardees.  Gp Capt Dilbagh Singh (later CAS)  is on the left of ACM Arjan Singh. Russian Visit – Wg Cdr P Singh at left introduces the Sqn boys to Marshal Khutokov after Su-7 display Pirate Night: Mike Mc Mahon (now VCAS), Gurdip Singh Samra (Gp Capt Retd) and  Ganguly(?). 101 Squadron anniversary party – Dancers include Patankar?, Mike McMahon, Verma and Hariharan
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Hashimara AFS. Gp Capt LM Katre, the Stn Cdr  is in the Center. Sqn Ldr PC Chopra is at extreme right. His former Black Formation mate Flt Lt VK ‘Jimmy’ Bhatia – in flying suit – is fifth from right. Toofani Lineup: Another view of the MD450 Ouragons lined up at Hashimara. These aircraft belonged to No.47 ‘Black Archers’ Squadron. The Chopra family tradition continues, Wg Cdr Ashutosh Chopra during his previous stint as flight commander with No.5 Squadron ‘Tuskers’

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