Wg Cdr Ashok Bhagwat was posted to the Dte of ASR on 04 Jan 90. He was tasked with a number of major schemes involving fighter aircraft, the most important of which were the oft-publicised AJT Project and the lesser known, but equally important, BTT project.

Wg Cdr Bhagwat, charged with revitalising the stagnating AJT project, undertook his task in a pragmatic fashion. After meticulously researching the background, the officer was able to suggest novel methods on how the project should be handled. These required the officer's professional application, a clear understanding of the fundamental issues and an exhaustive preparation of the subjectmatter. When the RRM decided that a Secretary-level Committee suggest an optimal solution, the DCAS inputs for the Committee were provided by Wg Cdr Bhagwat. The officer once again carried out an indepth appraisal; a sheer testimony to his perseverance. That this major project now stands poised for a decision is primarily on account of the very considerable time and effort devoted to it by Wg Cdr Bhagwat.

The BTT project, on the other hand, was a completely different challenge for this conscientious officer. Unable to proceed on account of the critical economic situation, he suggested an innovative approach. The suggestion was accorded requisite approval and mainly as a result of Wg Cdr Bhagwat's initiative the project is to commence shortly.

The complex task of updating the MiG-21 engaged the attention of Wg Cdr Bhagwat to such an extent that he was singled out to represent the IAF at an important joint meeting in the Soviet Union. He has critically examined & large volume of soviet documents and has made a number of constructive suggestions.

Wg Cdr Bhagwat's keenness to advocate new concepts, his thoroughly professional approach, logical reasoning, analytical mind and imaginative ideas, have infused fresh life into projects which were making little headway.

For the afore-said attributes, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr AV Bhagwat.