| Details : |  Group Captain Sharad Aneja (22677) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the flying branch on 18 Dec 93 and since Dec 11. he is commanding a Su-30 MKI squadron. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot. He has varied experience of operational flying on the Mirage 2000, MiG 21 (T-75 & T-77) and Su-30 MKI aircraft. He has flown over 3000 hours on various fighters, trainers and transport aircraft of Indian Air Force. The Group Captain was tasked to raise the first Su-30 MKI of Western Air Command. The resurrection of the unit in all aspects of operations, maintenance and administration was an arduous task which he astutely surmounted utilising his resourcefulness and operational background. With his unrelenting effort, loyalty, initiative and perseverance he ensured that the unit gained the required operational status in a very short time. He has innovatively utilised his technical acumen and operational capability to ensure a high availability of aircraft and equipment along with a professional combat orientation of the squadron. In doing so he has displayed tremendous commitment, commendable performance, admirable knowledge and creditable operational orientation keeping up with the finest traditions of military service and this reflects credit upon himself and the Indian Air Force. Gp Capt Aneja's outstanding initiative, leadership and logistic abilities introduced best tools and equipment in the unit which has been emulated by many other units. With his meticulous planning. optimal utilisation of manpower, aircraft and equipment, ability to adapt quickly to ever changing requirements and commitments of the squadron. he ensured regular flying operations with maximum utilisation of available resources. During his tenure, he has marshalled his resources admirably to achieve a good safety record, high morale and operational readiness of the unit. This is evident from the performance of the unit during various visits, inspections and exercises including Ex-Livewire. He has singularly focused on progressively increasing the quantum of flying and achieving full operational capability. He has displayed great mission focus in which he personally led from the front. achieving all tasks allotted to the squadron. This was evident in the Republic Day Flypast of 2013 in which he participated and his performance was appreciated by all. He gainfully utilised his test pilot and operational knowledge to operationalise maximum aircrew in operating from Leh. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Group Captain Sharad Aneja. |
