Flight Lieutenant Tushar Sen has been serving with an interceptor Squadron. He is one of the most experienced pilots on this type of aircraft and has flown 600 sorties. On many occasions, he had to cope with serious emergencies but each time he brought the aircraft down safely. Once, when all wheels of his aircraft did not come down, and when any normal pilot would have been justified in abandoning the aircraft in such a situation, he, with courage and determination, brought the aircraft back safely on two wheels. On another occasion, when his longitudinal control failed at a low height, he successfully landed the aircraft. He flew a number of sorties in 1965 operations to provide air defence.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Tushar Sen displayed professional, skill courage and devotion to duty.

Air Vice Marshal Tushar Sen was commissioned on 15 December 1960 in the flying branch of Air Force. As a young pilot in a Gnat squadron he was awarded Vayu AVSM 1994-95 Sena Medal in 1967. This was in recognition of his contribution in the 1965 operations and skillful handling of two serious in-flight emergencies.

An experienced fighter pilot with over 3500 accident free flying hours, Air Vice Marshal T Sen is a qualified flying instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. He has held many important field and staff appointments. He has commanded a front line fighter squadron, and is among the few officers who have the distinction of commanding two operational bases. On staff appointments he has served as Command Flight Safety Officer Training Command, Joint Director Air Staff Inspection and Air­ I Eastern Air Command.

While Commanding Air Force Station Adampur, he was responsible for the smooth induction of the MiG 29 aircraft. The work services were completed in record time with the squadron becoming fully operational in six months and the station was adjudged as the best ever fighter base inspected by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection since its inception in 1971.

In his current tenure as Air Defence Commander, he has brought to bear all his attributes in enhancing the air defiance capability of Western Air Command by optimising the existing resources. His professional knowledge, incisive analysis of problems and uncanny ability to arrive at the best possible solution stood out time and again. His professional stature, fair and firm approach in interpersonal matters and dedication to duty make him an excellent leader.

Air Vice Marshal Tushar Sen VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.