Squadron Leader Rajendra Khurana (13377) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 02 Jun 75 and is on the posted strength of a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron since 25 Nov 85.

He has 3150 hours of total flying to his credit of which 1850 hrs are operational flying on Canberra aircraft. He is functioning as the Flight Commander of Canberra Flight. During Aug 87, when there were certain indications of enemy intentions in Siachen area, he was called upon to plan and execute Photo reconnaissance mission over the area. Using his thorough knowledge in the field of Photo Reconnaissance operations combined with past experience of coordinating missions involving different types of aircraft, Sqn Ldr Khurana planned Photo Reconnaissance missions with great zeal and dedication. Of the 22 sorties flown for the purpose of planning and execution of these missions, two were flown over the operational area.

The information obtained from these missions was so valuable for our Army element in the field and at Headquarters that it was widely appreciated by the senior Army and Air Force Commanders directly involved with Siachen Operations.

For his exceptional and exemplary professional standards and fearless flying in the face of enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Rajendra Khurana.

Wg Cdr Rajender Khurana was commissioned in the IAF on 02 Jun 73. He is commanding a prestigious Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron since 27 Apr 92.

In 1988, he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for successfully leading a task force on reconnaissance missions across the border.

During the last one year, he made numerous innovations in the field of aerial photography and introduced new method for conducting survey close to border areas. He achieved record aerial survey coverage of 5.03 lakh sq km during the last one year earning the IAF a revenue of more than seven crores. Besides the financial savings the innovations would greatly help in enhancing the operational preparedness of our Armed Forces.

Wg Cdr R Khurana conceived and undertook project studies on development of medium range oblique-photography capability with the available vertical camera systems, on Avro and Canberra aircraft and low level high speed photography capability on Canberra aircraft with the available medium/high altitude camera systems. This will be of immense value in hostile air defence environment.

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