Group Captain Narendra Bahadur Singh (15635) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the IAF in Jan 1979. In 26 years of service he has held important appointments, which include Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of two THD radar units and Deputy Director Ground Radar at Air HQ. He had undergone an Air Defence Radar Course in Russia and Technical Staff Officers' course at IAT, Pune. As Senior Technical Officer of a Radar Unit, he was commended by Chief of Air Staff in 1998 for a modification carried out on P-40 Radar.

As CTO of THD radar unit he dedicated himself for high serviceability and operational status of the unit. Throughout his tenure, the unit displayed best maintenance practices and high standards of working ethos. During "Op Parakram" the unit broke all previous records achieving 97 hrs of continuous operation of THD radar to meet enhanced operational commitment.

On being posted to Air HQ as Director Plan ADGES (Radar) in 2003, he observed that for the last 2-3 years, one fourth of radars were operating as 'Restd Ops', due to height inaccuracy, low power output, faulty ADHS besides poor product support form OEMs. He discussed the matter with BE(L) and ECIL and formed a core team. With his analytical approach, guidance and involvement all these radars were made 'Fully Ops' within a span of one year. He organized workshops at relevant places, to upgrade diminishing expertise level of field personnel. After due deliberation with the BRDs and field units, the officer has successfully come up with a long term Maintenance/overhaul policy for Air Defence Radars.

The radars held on IAF inventory, being old, suffered from obsolescence. Gp Capt Singh took up the cases for technological upgradations. As a result replacement of obsolete Extractor with DCVE, replacement of old FORDARS with new generation FORDAR system and updatement of THD radars are already underway. Many other upgra dations are being pursued by the officer.

For his outstanding skill, professional competence, innovative ideas, perseverance, exemplary devotion to duty and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Narendra Bahadur Singh.