For nearly four years Wing Commander Karan Yadav has been employed in a unit of the Air Force whose function is to examine by tests and intensive trials all practical service, and to conduct armament trials for safety of carriage, accuracy and effectiveness of the weapons system. He has completed nearly 500 hours of flying on these arduous duties. In carrying out service trials of indigenously produced Hindustan Fighter and the Kiran aircraft, he has been instrumental not only in improving the operational performance of these aircraft but also in rectifying the defects found in an aircraft in its early stages of development. He has played a significant part in the development of aeronautics industry in the country and in solving several problems associated with other aircraft in use in the service. Throughout Wing Commander Karan Yadav displayed initiative, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Group Captain Karan Yadav (4200) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1951. He has been commanding an operational flying station in the Eastern Sector for two years. He has also held other important appointments earlier. He has flown a number of operational aircraft and has a total flying of 4600 hours. As Station commander he also attained the highest instrument rating on supersonic aircraft. In addition he holds the qualification of a Test Pilot.

While commanding the operational flying station, ha has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership and man­management. Through his drive and determination he has succeeded in improving the serviceability state of aircraft based on his station. His concerted efforts brought down the accident rate of his Station from 24.8 in 1974 to 3.1 in 1975. He has been responsible for evolving original methods for reducing bird strike accidents on his base. During his tenure he was able to ensure the smooth and successful operation capabilities of his operational squadrons without any significant radar recovery aids available to the Station. He was required to extend a large degree of supervision over an AOP Flight located away from his base. He succeeded in substantially raising the operational capabilities of all flying units at his Wing with two of the units being assessed as the best instrument rated units in the IAF.

Group Captain Karan Yadav has inspired his men by his devotion to duty, personal example and qualities of leadership, and has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.