Wing Commander Amit Aneja (14668) Flying (Pilot) has been the Commanding Officer of a frontline fighter Squadron since 22 October 96.

His Career has been marked by total and unconditional involvement, devotion to duty, leadership qualities and the highest norms of interpersonal relations which have ushered in unprecedented degree of improvement in administration and operational preparedness. This is borne out by the fact that during his tenure as Squadron Commander, the Squadron received the bombing trophy for Exercise Eklavya '97 and the unit was declared best in Western Air Command for operational turn around of aircraft, with unprecedented 97% marks. His introduction of a novel concept of Morale, Welfare and Recreation Cell in the Squadron has led to an environment wherein the minor offences in his unit have steadily reduced to the lowest figure of last eight years. The concept has not only been adopted by Air Force Station where his Squadron is based but has been well appreciated by Headquarters Western Air Command.

For his consistent performance of a very high order, he has been commended by Air Officer Commanding in Chief of two Commands and his accident free flying record has earned him Flight Safety Three Stars. For his good performance the officer was selected to attend the Staff College Course in USA.

For his devotion to duty, sustained professional acumen and outstanding leadership qualities, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Amit Aneja.

Group Captain Amit Aneja, VM (14668) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 26 Dec 1976 in the Flying Branch of the 1AF. During 26 years of service, he has held several important appointments that include Flight Commander of a Mirage-2000 Sqn, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a Forward Base Supporting Unit (FBSU), Commanding Officer of a MiG-21 Sqn and Directing Staff at College of Air Warfare. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) and an alumnus of Air Command and Staff College in USA. He was awarded Commendation by AOC-in-C on two occasions and Vayu Sena Medal for devotion to duty on 26 Jan 1999.

Since Jul, 2000 he is posted as Ops 1 (B) at Headquarters, Western Air Command (WAC) and is looking after Command Air Tasking Strike Planning and Air Warfare (CATSPAW). Gp Capt Aneja has been instrumental in reinvigorating the CATSPAW cell, which is the core of Command Air Operations. He has completely revamped the working procedures and systematised collection of target information and target to weapons matching to ensure fast and easy access, resulting in very efficient planning. His single-minded approach in improvement of the command ops planning process has been appreciated by Air Headquarters as well as by field units. This has led to a fruitful and free interaction with the Army particularly in joint targeting and air ops in support of ground forces. He has been instrumental in creating a synergy among various branches of the Command and field units to optimise the operational capabilities of the Command staff.

Gp Capt Aneja has also been responsible for induction of the Integrated Command Air Tasking System. He has not only facilitated adapting the system but also in improving it and disseminating it to the field units. With foresight, he has been involved in planning and execution of command exercises. This has contributed significantly to raise the operational effectiveness of Western Air Command. He has performed well beyond his charter of duties with single mindedness and with no regard to personal comfort.

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