Group Captain Raj Kumar Nehra was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force on 7 September 1953. During his tenure with the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements, he showed sound technical knowledge extraordinary zeal and extreme capacity for hard work in dealing with the large volume and range of work. Displaying a high sense of initiative and with untiring efforts, he, in a short period of time, acquired a high degree of competence even in the fields other than that of his specialisation.

Group Captain Nehra was called upon to carry out analytical studies of design/project reports of a number of development projects relating to aircraft/ systems designs. Owing to his recognised merit in the field of aircraft flight testing, the officer has been repeatedly selected for evaluation of aircraft/systems considered for induction in the IAF.

Group Captain Raj Kumar Nehra during his stay in the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements has throughout displayed outstanding professional competence, capacity for hard work and devotion to duty. The officer has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order and the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Air Marshal Raj Kumar Nehra, VSM (4I518) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Indian air Force on 07 Sep 1953. During his long and distinguished career he has hold a variety of command and staff appointments with distinction. A Mechanical Engineer of outstanding merit, he was selected to undergo the prestigious Flight Test Engineering Course at the Flight Test School in France.

One of the first two 'Flight Test Engineers' of the I.A.F., he was responsible for organising flight trials of a variety of aircraft and equipment and was instrumental in establishing new and modern testing facilities at the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment. His innovative approach in planning, conduct of flight trials and data reduction of test results, was pioneering work of its type. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Modal in 1978.

During the command of a vital Base Repair Depot, he not only achieved a higher rate of production of engines but also introduced an advanced and efficient method of spares forecasting for engine overhauls. He was also responsible for pioneering the work of manufacture of aeronautical quality rubber seals in the country. Between 1982 and 1986, while Director of three different Directorates in Air Headquarters, the Air Officer displayed outstanding professional knowledge, capacity for hard work and an incisive approach to problems while dealing with a wide range of aircraft, weapons and other systems. His staff assessments and analysis of technological parameters have significantly contributed to the selection of the right weapon systems/ equipment for the IAF.

He has served as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at two Commands, where he achieved qualitative improvements in Maintenance Standards and practices. He was able to inculcate a sense of urgency among the technical staff and make them more responsive to operational needs, while reducing costs through innovations. He is presently holding the prestigious appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance where he has brought to bear his vast experience and professionalism to enhance the effectiveness of Maintenance and logistic activities of the entire Air Force.

Air Marshal Raj Kumar Nehra, VSM has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.