Axel, the two-year-old Indian canine soldier, was honoured by the Indian government on August 15, 2022, when the country marked its 75th Independence Day. Army dog Axel was among the list of 42 ‘Mention-in-Despatches’ that recognises distinguished and meritorious service.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu approved the list of those who would receive gallantry awards this year. The list included three Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras, two bar to Sena Medals, 81 Sena Medals, one Nao Sena Medal and seven Vayu Sena Medals.

Also Read: Who was Axel, Indian Army dog killed in anti-militant operation in Kashmir?

Army dog Axel, a Belgian Malinois, was killed during an operation carried out by the Indian Army against militants in the Baramulla district of Kashmir. 

According to reports from The Indian Feed, Axel was fitted with a body cam to pinpoint the exact location of the terrorists so that army can plan their assault accordingly. While he succeeded in reaching the location, the terrorists fired at Axel, which left him with deadly bullet injuries.

A day after the operation, the Indian Army’s Northern Command revealed the details of Axel’s sacrifice in a social media post. He was described as “a real hero in service to the nation.”

The terrorist was later killed by security forces after an eight-hour-long gunfight in the Wanigam Bala area of Kreeri in Baramulla, news agency PTI reported.

Also Read: Independence Day: List of 107 gallantry award winners this year

The general commanding officer of the counter-insurgency force, , Major General SS Slaria, was present at Axel’s wreath-laying ceremony along with important members of the Jammu & Kashmir Police.

Earlier this year, another dog of the 29 Rashtriya Rifles, Kanak, managed to sniff out an improvised explosive device (IED) off a highway near Pattan, according to reports from news agency PTI.