Group Captain Sant Prakash Singh Virk (13491) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Aeronautical En gineering Branch of the IAF on 09 Jul 1973. After serving as Engineering Officer in various capacities in different MiG-21 Sqns for over a decade, the officer was specially selected for training on Mirage-2000 Main tenance in France during 1984-85. His in-depth knowledge on "Fly by Wire" system has contributed significantly to the Mirage-2000 Maintenance/ Flight Safety. As Dy Director at Air HQ (Mirage Cell), his services to put the Mirage fleet on solid foundation were immense.

As Chief Engineering Officer of a premiere Mirage-2000 base, Gp Capt Virk has demonstrated his ability as a team leader and a hardcore professional. By optimising resources placed at his disposal, he sustained record high serviceability of Mirage-2000 fleet with exceptionally high mission success rate during "Kargil Operation". A document called "VISION-2000-MIRAGE MAINTENANCE" prepared by him has become the basis of projecting future requirements of Mirage Fleet. Due to his dynamism and professional approach, his Sqn was adjudged "Best Fighter Sqn" and the base "Best in Maintenance" in the IAF. He was also instrumental in numerous adaptations of new weapon systems like integration of Litening, Paveway, Griffin, CMOS and indigenous SYREE Data Processing System, which enhanced the operational capability of Mirage Fleet. As a result of foresight in planning, professional acumen and dynamic vision of Air Cmde Virk, Mirage2000 fleet is best-managed fleet in the IAF.

During his tenure at a BRD, Gp Capt Virk has held two most important portfolios as Chief of Aircraft and Chief of Planning. Due to his personal involvement, planning and guidance the depot has been successful in completing the task of producing 30 helicopters for second consecutive year against all odds. With his personal involve ment and commitment to quality, he secured ISO 9001:2000 certification for the Depot in a time bound manner. His proactive, positive and visionary approach has resulted in overall improvement in work culture, effic iency and generated professional work ethos at the depot, which provides a healthy place of work, thus improving overall pro ductivity and enhanced operational capability of helicopter fleet of the IAF.

For his distinguished services of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Sant Prakash Singh Virk.