Squadron Leader Deepak Yadav was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1964. He served as in Squadron pilot in an operational fighter squadron for six years. During the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he flew 20 operational missions deep into enemy territory with unflagging zeal and complete disregard for personal safety. For this he was mentioned in Despatches. An excellent fighter Squadron Pilot during his entire service period, he later volunteered for flight testing and made a significant contribution to test flying and the development of indigenous aircraft and systems.

On the 28th September, 1976, he was flight testing an aircraft to examine a specific problem area which he himself had identified on two previous flights. During the course of this flight-test, the aircraft experienced a structural failure resulting in complete loss of control. Squadron leader Deepak Yadav sacrificed his life in his cause of test flying.

Squadron Leader Deepak Yadav thus displayed conspicuous courage, determination and devotion the duty of a high order.