Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani AVSM VM (10440) F(P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 29 October 1966. During his distinguished service of 40 years he has held a wide range of important operational and staff appointments which include Defence Attaché to Sweden, Commanding Officer of a premier Air Force base, Director of Offensive Operations, Air Advisor to the CAS and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers). He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, where he served as an Instructor. He has flown a large number of combat aircraft in the lAF's inventory, and has also gained proficiency in flying helicopters and transport aircraft. Since the early years of his service, his exceptional flying skills and disciplined approach were recognized at every level. During the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, he flew 22 operational missions on MiG-21 aircraft into enemy territory, thereby making a significant contribution to the war effort. For his dedicated efforts and high level of professional skills, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1987 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1991.

In 1984, Air Marshal Bhavnani was selected to lead the IAF team to France to fly the newly acquired state-of-the-art, Mirage 2000 aircraft. On return, he commanded the Battle Axes Squadron and equipped it with the new aircraft and was responsible for laying a strong foundation for the lAF's Mirage fleet. During his tenure as Commanding Officer of prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), he introduced a wide range of changes in the curriculum, leading to significant improvements in lAF's combat skills and orientation.

As SASO HQ CAC, sustained efforts made by Air Marshal Bhavnani ensured successful induction and operationalisation of the newly acquired Flight Refueling Aircraft, 1L-78. In February 2003 he successfully coordinated the first ever Indo-French combat exercise held at Gwalior, involving modern combat aircraft. Later, he also successfully handled the task of planning and conducting the first Indo-US air combat exercise at Gwalior in October 2003. His meticulous preparation and expert professional guidance resulted in the successful conduct of this exercise, which brought in extraordinary accolades from the US Air Force.

In his present assignment as Commanderin-Chief of the Strategic Forces Command, Air Marshal Bhavnani has initiated several important measures to optimize the integration of forces and command and control of the strategic systems with a view to increase the operational potential of the Strategic Forces.

Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Avinash Deodatta Joshi, VM (10886) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 04 June 1967. During his distinguished service of nearly 40 years, he has held many challenging flying and staff appointments. He has flown a large number of combat aircraft in the lAF's inventory. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. He has flown a number of combat missions during the 1971 war with Pakistan in the western theatre while serving in a Hunter Squadron. For gallantry displayed during the operations, he was awarded Mention-in-Despatches. While posted to a MiG-21 Squadron in 1979 he was the first to carry out night flying from Srinagar and subsequently clear the valley for night flying as a routine. In 1981 he was specially selected for training on the MiG-23 BN In the erstwhile USSR and posted subsequently as the senior Flight Commander of the Squadron when it was formed in India. In 1984 during Op Meghdoot he was the first MiG-23 pilot to have commenced active operations from the highest operational base Leh in Ladakh.

In 1985, Air Marshal Joshi took over command of a MiG-23 BN Squadron. This squadron had been specially selected for Op Meghdoot. With his vast experience in this sector, he was entrusted with a number of operational photo reconnaissance missions which he flew himself. For his dedication and high level of professional skills he was awarded the VM in 1988. Air Marshal Joshi commanded a Forward Air Base in Rajasthan sector. He also commanded Air Force Station Bidar where he was given the responsibility of raising the now famous “Surya Kiran" aerobatics team.

A graduate and Instructor of the Army War College Mhow, he also attended the course at the National Defence College and the National Security Programme at Gallillee College, Israel. His staff appointments include deputy Commandant at CAW, ACAS (Safety and Inspections) and ACAS (PO). As SASO HQ South Western Air Command he handled two very important events. After a long gap, the air power demonstration Vayu Shakti 2004 was conducted at Pokhran Air to Ground range, where all the latest aircraft and weapons were showcased. Subsequently he was also responsible in handling the Awareness Campaign at Bombay, which was one of the largest air demonstrations that included Air India aircraft also. Due to his meticulous planning and preparation, both events were highly successful, Incident free and were well received.

Air Marshal AD Joshi took over as AOCin-C, Eastern Air Command (EAC) on 01 November 04. During his tenure, the training and operational standards of EAC have been greatly enhanced. Operations were conducted from civil airfields for the first time. The serviceability states of aircraft and avionics systems exceeded all expectations from a fleet of ageing aircraft. Administrative aspects also went through a welcome change. He has now been specially selected to take over as C-in-C of Strategic Forces Command.

Air Marshal Avinash Deodatta Joshi, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.