Flight Lieutenant Subramaniam Muhilan was born on 8 March 1972 in Belagavi, Karnataka. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute under the Karnataka Lingayat Education Society before qualifying through the Combined Defence Services Examination to join the Indian Air Force. He was commissioned as a pilot on 18 December 1993 and underwent specialised helicopter flying training as part of the 152 Pilots' Course.
During his service, Flight Lieutenant Muhilan gained extensive operational experience flying both the Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters. He accumulated more than 1,250 flying hours and earned a reputation as one of the Indian Air Force's finest aerial rocketry pilots because of his exceptional accuracy and calmness during combat missions. On 2 March 1998, he was posted to No. 152 Helicopter Unit, which later became one of the principal helicopter units deployed during the Kargil conflict.
During Operation Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force launched offensive air operations to support the Indian Army in clearing enemy positions in the Kargil region. Flight Lieutenant Muhilan had already completed three successful strike missions in the hazardous Drass Sub-Sector before 28 May 1999, inflicting considerable damage on enemy positions and contributing significantly to the Army's advance.
On 28 May 1999, he flew as part of the Mi-17 helicopter crew commanded by Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir. Also on board were Flight Sergeant P. V. N. R. Prasad and Sergeant Raj Kishore Sahu. The crew launched a live rocket attack on enemy bunkers near Point 5140 despite knowing that their helicopter lacked effective protection against shoulder-fired Stinger missiles. After successfully completing the strike, the helicopter was hit by a Pakistani Stinger missile during the breakaway manoeuvre. Despite every effort to save the aircraft, it crashed, and all four air warriors attained Veergati.
For his exceptional courage, professional competence, and supreme sacrifice, Flight Lieutenant Subramaniam Muhilan was posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). His devotion to duty and fearless commitment continue to inspire generations of Indian Air Force personnel.