Air Commodore Vikas Krishna Rao Yajurvedi VM (13248) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 23 December 72 in fighter stream of IAF. Since commissioning he has flown a total of 4245 hrs of flying on different fighter and trainer aircraft. He is an A2 Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader and in his 32 years of distinguished service, he has held various important command and staff appointments. He is an alumnus of both Defence Service Staff College and National Defence College. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for devotion to duty on 26 January 02.

The officer commanded a MiG 23 Squadron where he ensured a very high operational state and set high standards, of leadership. As Chief Operations Officer at a major flying base, the officer was entrusted to ensure that the operational capability of the station and the various lodger units was maintained at the highest level. The Officer with his acumen professional knowledge and managerial skills ensured that the various operations and exercises given to the unit were performed in the most exceptional manner, which was appreciated by the higher ups. As CO Flying Instructor School, he introduced an innovative “Situations Awar-eness Programme" in flying training, thus, contributing significantly towards enhanced flight safety. The School was awarded the Flight Safety and Maintenance Trophy in year 2000. Under his dynamic leadership, the School reinducted the Kiran aircraft and carried out a smooth and efficient change over to a new training pattern including Kiran and HPT-32 aircraft. He is presently the Air Officer Commanding of a frontline fighter base in western sector. He has led Air Force Station to very high standards in all spheres of activities for it to be adjudged the Best Fighter Station i.e., Pride of SWAC - Best Operational Wing for the year 2004. Under his dynamic leadership the Station has achieved many milestones like successful induction of Bison aircraft alongside setting up of Bison Tech Flight and timely completion of its avionics lab. His meticulous planning and professionalism combined with magna-nimous approach makes him a natural leader

The Air Officer with his varied experience and unique professionalism took on himself an exhaustive research on the defect and trend analysis for the fleet of aircraft being operated at the base. The report presented to the DG (Inspection and Safety) in the year 2004 came in for special appreciation. As an effective administrator, he improved the working environment of the Wing and lodger units and quality of life for its personnel. The Wing successfully carried out many innovations, which resulted in reduction in concessions for aircraft maintenance and enhanced Flight/Maintenance Safety. Air Cmde Vikas Krishna Rao Yajurvedi VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.