Wing Commander Upkar Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force on 16th January, 1954. He has served in several fighter and fighter bomber squadrons. He is a qualified flying instructor and has seen service in this capacity in two flying training units, and on the training staff at Air Headquarters. At present, Wing Commander Upkar Singh is the Commanding Officer of a supersonic fighter squadron. Under his guidance the Squadron was brought to a high state of operational preparedness. During the recent operations against Pakistan, the Squadron under the inspiring leadership, of Wing Commander Upkar Singh flew 376 operational missions in a 10 day period, on fighter escort duties, sweeps and air patrols, without loss, of any aircraft. He personally led a number of missions.

Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Upkar Singh rendered distinguish service of an exceptional order.

Air Commdore Upkar Singh, AVSM (4658) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 16 Jan 54. In the early stages of his career, he became known as a highly competent fighter pilot and there were many predictions made on his future value to the Service. These Predictions have been translated into facts purely because of his professional quality, his progressive attitude and his special flare for fine, enlightened leadership.

He commanded a MiG-21 Squadron, filled several operational staff appointments and because of the distinguished quality of service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1971.

In 1978 he was posted to command a large MiG fighter Wing in the Northern Sector. There were twelve lodger units on the base and it was expected that both operational and administrative health of the Wing would progress satisfactorily under his control.

In the event after two years under his command, the Wing has attained standards far in excess of what was expected. For two years running, the base has won the trophy for Best Operational Wing in Western Air Command, and the MiG Squadrons it houses have flown the most in the Command with the least accident rate, also for two years running. Administrative activity and the management and generation of amenities has also been of positively outstanding quality. In fact, this base has won the WAC trophy for the 'Best Wing in Administration' in 1980. These achievements imply a consistently high performance and created attitude on the part of most of its personnel over a very wide spectrum of activities. In this connection, the enthusiasm and cheerfulness of Personnel at all levels in noteworthy and is a powerful manifestation of superior leadership.

The Wing has become a show piece in the Command and figures in the tours made by most foreign dignitaries to Air Force units and in the various demonstrations laid on for visiting professional teams.

It very clear that the outstanding conditions of the Wing is a source of pride to the service and is almost wholly attributable to the outstanding abilities and leadership of Air Commodore Upkar Singh, who has thereby set a very fine example of how a senior commander should operate.

Air Commodore Upkar Singh, AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.