Air Marshal Vinod Patney has been in command of Western Air Command since 01 April 97. Operation Vijay was launched to evict the enemy from Kargil heights in May1999. Western Air Command was given the responsibility for conduct of air operations in the area. Use of Air Power in such mountainous terrain had no precedence in the past. The enemy was entrenched at heights of 15,000 feet and above and was well equipped with mobile Surface to Air Missiles. The rules of engagement of target by our aircraft were constrained and the higher directions of war mandated implicit respect of the Line of Control. Despite these limitations, Air Marshal Vinod Patney effectively mobilised the forces placed under him to plan and execute the operational plan. The Indian Army was under pressure from enemy ground forces, but as soon as the IAF went into action, the tide was turned. Initial loss of aircraft was analysed in a professional and confident manner and new tactics were developed. Air attacks continued with devastating effect. With his incisive ability he took bold decisions to direct air attacks on enemy targets, which resulted in inflicting maximum damage on the war making po tential of the enemy. The enemy capitulated in a time span shorter than anticipated. The tangible success of air operations eventually enabled the Army to physically eject the intruders with minimal losses.

The success of air operations in Op Vijay was highly decisive and without parallel in the history of aerial warfare. The outstanding leadership provided by Air Marshal Vinod Patney during this period was the clinching factor for success of air operations. His professional abilities and willingness to take bold decisions in war effectively proved to be the turning point in the military victory in Op Vijay.

Air Marshal Vinod Patney displayed professional leadership and devotion to duty of the highest order.