Group Captain Ashok Singhal (14615) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned on 15 Jul 1976 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. During 27 years of distinguished service, he has held several key appointments which include Senior Engineering Officer (SEO) in a MiG-29 Sqn, Senior Engineer (Calibration and Standards) and Senior Production Engineer in Base Repair Depot (BRD), Commanding Officer (SEO) in a MiG29 Sqn, Senior Engineer (Calibration and Standards) and Senior Production Engineer in Base Repair Depot (BRD), Commanding Officer of Service Support Centre and Chief Engineering Officer at Air Force Station, Pune. He is a post graduate in Computer Systems from Cranfield Institute of Technology, UK and also graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Presently, he is held on the posted strength of HQ SWAC, IAF.

As Senior Engineering Officer of a MiG-29 Sqn, he dedicated himself for high serviceability and operational status of the Sqn. Throughout his tenure, the Sqn displayed best maintenance practices and high standard of working ethos. Subsequently, he worked tirelessly in setting up of overhaul facilities for MiG-29 aircraft and its avionics rotables at a Base Repair Depot. Timely availability of overhaul facilities helped in undertaking overhaul of MiG-29 aircraft in India which made IAF self reliant and saved huge foreign exchange.

As Senior Engineer (calibration and standards), he single-handedly set up Echelon-H standard and calibration facilities for electronics parameters. He also visualised the unique concept of mobile calibration facilities for which he designed and developed vehicle mounted Echelon-Ill calibration facilities for Radar and Tropo Units.

His contribution towards raising a new unit for third line repair facilities of Su-30K aircraft at Air Force Station, Pune is exemplary. This directly helped in sustenance of high serviceability of Su-30K aircraft for a long time and saved large amount of foreign exchange.

During 'Op Parakaram' he ensured timely readiness and deployment of Sqns and Radar Units. Smooth induction of Su-30Mk-I aircraft at Air Force Station, Pune was possible due to his foresight, systematic planning and dedicated efforts. He put in concerted efforts in organising assembly and servicing of Su30Mk-I aircraft, setting up of T Level Labs, training of technicians and computerisation of data. He also improved upon the Serviceability State of Jaguar aircraft and liquidated a large number of pending concessions by getting the modification kits.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Ashok Singhal.