| Details : | Wing Commander Bhasker Satish (22948) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the flying branch on 18 Jun 94. He is commanding a Su-30 MKI squadron since 26 Jul 11.The officer is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot and has flown over 3300 hours. He was decorated with `Mention-in-Despatches' for being the junior most officer (Flt Lt) to undauntedly lead the highest number of strike missions in the face of enemy fire during the Kargil conflict. His unparalleled devotion to duty, demonstrated performance and single handed contribution to the induction of the Su-30 MKI into the IAF during his tenure as a test pilot at ASTE have also been appreciated. His meticulous planning and exceptional personal involvement as a detachment commander of an Air Force level Special Weapon Camp resulted in maximum number of aircrew and ground crew getting qualified in employment of specialist weapons on the Su-30 MKI. His pro-active approach, meticulous study and the zeal to undertake the arduous task of employing a Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) from a hitherto unexplored altitude realm has given the IAF the ability to safely execute precision strikes from altitudes well beyond the manufacturer certified envelope. Wg Cdr Satish has displayed uncommon initiative in improving the combat capability and survivability of the Su-30 MKI in several path-breaking ways. Mapping of friendly aircraft through Non Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) techniques on the Su-30 MKI conceptualized and operationalised by him would be a game changer in avoiding fratricide in the modern day scenario. His innovative approach to problem solving has improved the Electronic Warfare capability of the Su-30 MKI. Under his command, the unit authored several critical Standard Operating Procedures for the Laser Guided Bomb, NCTR and the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) that have set new benchmarks and have found wide appreciation from across the IAF. Under his command, the Sqn achieved and sustained a very high serviceability and combat readiness with an immaculate aerospace safety record. The Sqn under his command has also achieved the unique distinction of being the first squadron in the history of the IAF to be affiliated to a warship of the Indian Navy. For his exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to duty) to Wing Commander Bhasker Satish. |
