Wg Cdr Keshava Murthy Ramasundara was commissioned in IAF on 05 Jul 71 in the Engineering (Electronics) branch of Air Force.

During past 4 years, Wg Cdr Ramasundara provided exceptional services to improve the serviceability of MiG-29 fleet. Despite acute resource crunch and collapse in Russian supply system, he persuaded Russian autho rities at all levels and managed to extract maximum support which enabled IAF to maintain MiG-29 fleet's operational preparedn ess. In doing so, he exerted sustained pressure on Russian agencies which resulted in supply of long pending contractual deficiencies amounting to nearly Rs. 2 crores.

With his very thorough professional knowledge on MiG-29 ac, on a number of occasions he advised units to correct their procedural lapses and also assisted them in carrying out the detailed analysis of serious technological problems on aircraft and evolved remedial measures.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr KM Ramasundara.

Air Commodore Keshava Murthy Rama Sundara VSM (12833) AE (L) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the IAF on 05 July 1971. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has undergone Senior International Defence Management Course in USA in June 2004. He was trained abroad on MiG-23 and MiG-29 ac and has held numerous appointments including Jt Dr of MiG-25 and MiG-29 cell at Air HQ. The Air Officer was responsible in successfully setting up MiG-29 overhaul line with the available MiG-23 lines at 11 BRD inspite of certain serious constraints. As a CEO of one of the busiest fighter station, he took on the additional responsibility of Air to Air, Air to ground range besides the responsibilities of three fighter Squadrons and visiting Flying Squadrons doing around 1000 sorties per month, for which he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1994.

After assuming the Charge as AOC, he has been able to reduce the duration of Avro/ Dornier servicing activities through innovative methods. For the first time under his command, 10 ac were produced in 2003-04 and ferried out before 31 March 04 along with additional task of two Avro ac allotted by Air HQ. In task year 2004-05 also, 10 ac were ferried out within stipulated time frame. These achievements were possible due to foresight in planning, coordination with high level of motivation and timely review of work contents.

The Depot Is the nodal agency for repair and calibration of testers with an average task of about 13,000. The Depot has been continuously achieving 50% additional task under his leadership. An ambitious project for concession clearance through techno logistics approach was initiated during his tenure. In a period of 30 months, more than 800 concessions were cleared resulting in better op status of aircraft, availability and enhanced flight safety. The indigenisation efforts for testers and spares by the depot has resulted in huge saving of foreign exchange.

The Air Officer took up a case with Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission and succeeded in reduction of electricity tariff and saved crores of rupees for all defence units in Tamil Nadu. MES had condemned 07 aircraft hangars of the Depot as unsafe for use and recommended demolition and reconstruction, at a cost of about Rs 30 crores. Due to the Air Officer's initiative, the condition of hangars was reviewed and minor strengthening was done - resulting in a saving of about Rs. 29.4 crores. Under his leadership the morale of the personnel has always been very high. Various welfare activities were executed to enhance quality of life of the personnel.

Air Commodore Keshava Murthy Rama Sundara VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.