Group Captain Virender Mohan Khanna (5071) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned on 25 Jul 1977 in Engineering Branch of the IAF. In 27 years of distinguished service, he has held several important appointments that include Commanding Officer of a Base Repair Depot (BRD), Chief of Aircraft at another BRD, Chief Engineering Officer at two Flying Bases, Air Staff Inspector of Air Headquarter and Senior Technical Officer of two Indian Expeditions to Antarctica. He is a graduate from Defence Services Staff College.

As Senior Technical Officer of the Indian expeditions to Antarctica, the stellar role played by the officer is evident from the success of both the expeditions. As Chief Engineering Officer at two Flying Bases, his engineering acumen ensured accident-free flying during his tenure. Also, as Chief of Aircraft at a Helicopter BRD, his professional ism and managerial ability resulted in enhan ced production which increased helicopter availability in the IAF. He was also pivotal in preparing helicopters for the UN Mission in record time of four weeks. Production landmarks of 450 Mi-8 helicopters and 100 Mi-17 helicopters were achieved during his tenure as Chief of Aircraft.

Gp Capt Khanna took over as Commanding Officer of a BRD on 01 Nov 03. On taking over, he focused on increasing in-house capability for repair and overhaul of certain Ground Support Equipment and Aircraft Support Vehicles which were so far being outsourced to civil market at considerable cost. As a result, the Depot now overhauls all types of aircraft jacks, saving the exchequer nearly Rs. 8 lakh annually. This facility is now being duplicated at two more Bases to reduce transportation time of these jacks from field units to this BRD, thus aiming to reduce meantime-to-repair (MTTR).

His thrust on inventory control has saved Rs. 90.28 lakh during 2003-04 in locally controlled financial heads. Further, his emphasis on indigenisation has resulted in development of key spares for Aircraft Arrester Barrier System, various Aircraft Support Vehicles and their engines, and for the complex clutch-booster for Crash Fire Tender, thus saving phenomenal amount in rupees and FFE both. His Mini-Skunk Squadron at the Depot has designed and manufactured numerous items of engineering utility, and has mobilized over 700 lines of non-moving stores, thus retrieving nearly Rs. 13.5 lakh. Moved by his motivation drive to be self-reliant, the Depot personnel have also commenced tinkering and painting of service vehicles, which were so far being outsourced, this would save the exchequer about Rs. 8 lakh annually.

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