| Details : | Wing Commander Anant Mathur (20727) Flying (Pilot)was commissioned in the flying branch on 16 Jun 90. He is a Cat 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor, a Test Pilot, and a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College (USA). He has been an Air Force Examiner. He was adjudged the Best in Flying, Ground Subjects, Aerobatics and Overall in the Flying Instructor's Course. He also stood first in the Test Pilot's course and the Staff College entrance examination. A combination of this feat has not been achieved by any other officer in IAF for the past two decades. He was a flying member of the first ever Jaguar contingent to Alaska for Ex Cope Thunder 2004. He has been the project pilot for the DARIN 11 programme and instrumental in developing new aircraft capabilities. He is presently the Commanding Officer of a premier front line Jaguar Squadron since 18 Aug 08. Wg Cdr Mathur led a 6 aircraft Jaguar detachment to Oman for an exercise with Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). The officer planned the entire exercise with meticulous precision and skillful co-ordination. Due to his untiring efforts and hands on management, all aspects of operations, maintenance and administration were fully addressed. The realistic training of the team resulted in 38 direct hits out of 40 bombs during the exercise. The Jaguar contingent flew 135 hrs in 10 days of intense detachment with 100% serviceability. During the return ferry, the team flew 6 fighter aircraft with single IL-78 refueller for the first time in the history of IAF. Wg Cdr Mathur was instrumental in devising new procedures for traffic flow, weather abort and emergencies for the ferry with IL-78 ac. Wg Cdr Mathur has ably led the squadron where many milestones have been achieved. The unit has been commended by HQ CAC for achieving more than the tasked effort in all exercises. The unit was commended for its professionalism and work ethics by HQ WAC during Ex Abhyas where the squadron achieved 100% mission success and serviceability. The unit dropped twenty 1000 Ib bombs in a single detail, a unique feat in the history of Jaguar operations in the IAF. Wg Cdr Mathur used his expertise as a Test Pilot to institute Daily Snag Analysis Brief in the unit which ensured well directed rectification efforts leading to faster recovery of ac. This increased the average serviceability by 12-15% from Aug 09 to May 10. He has taken special efforts to improve the working environment and infrastructure in the unit leading to increased morale of all personnel. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Anant Mathur. |
