Sqn Ldr Pradeep Kumar Chopra is on the posted strength of MiG Operational Flying Training Unit, Air Force with effect from 16 Apr 90. He is working in Tech Flight of a Wing since the time of his arrival.

During the current year, Sqn Ldr Chopra worked as O i/c Tech Flight supporting MOFTU and a Squadron engaged in MOF training. With his professional expertise and personal example of hard work amounting to almost 10-11 hrs every day, he provided the leadership and motivation to his men to meet the challenge of time-bound task.

During the year, Tech Flight produced 179 ac including an ac which flew after nearly 5 yrs & two others which flew after 2 yrs. Besides the routine task of scheduled inspections, rectifications and training of his personnel, Sqn Ldr Chopra also headed a project group formed at this Wing for development of a Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) for methodical rectification of every conceivable snag. The document of nearly 500 pages containing Fault Tree and Flow Charts of all trades has been printed and has received high praise.

For his sincerity, sustained hard work, initiative and professional competence, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Pradeep Kumar Chopra.

Wg Cdr R Malhotra was commissioned on 09 Feb 74 in the fighter stream of Air Force. He is a Fighter Combat Leader and an Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner. He has more than 3400 hours of accident-free flying to his credit. In Aug 90, he was posted to MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU) and has been the Flight Commander since Jul 92.

MOFTU is a premier training institution of the IAF for the fighter stream. Wg Cdr Malhotra had been instrumental in setting high professional standards both in flying and ground training. Bad weather and limited experience of the fledgling fighter pilots were his major constraints. Through his single minded dedication and tireless hard work, he ensured that MOF training was completed on due date without compromising the quality of training, a singular and unique achievement by itself. His result oriented approach and personal involvement have greatly enhanced the operational capability of the unit.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr R Malhotra.

Squadron Leader Tarique Jamil Ahmed Khan (18072) F (P) was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the IAF in 1985. A highly accomplished flier with over 3000 hours of flying experience, he is a Fighter Combat Leader, Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He holds 'Three Stars' for accident free flying and 'Master Green' instrument rating. He has served as a flying instructor in a flying training establishment and as flight commander in a Fighter Squadron in earlier assignments.

Sqn Ldr Khan had been on the posted strength of MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU), wef 29 April 2001. MOFTU is the largest fighter unit of IAF and it undertakes Stage-III fighter-flying training. In the absence of a Wing Commander due to service exigencies, Sqn Ldr Khan had officiated as the Squadron Commander of MOFTU 'Alpha' Squadron from his first day in the unit.

Despite being thrust into a job with a higher work content and increased responsibility, he had performed his duties with admirable efficiency. He flew extensively and worked for long hours with sincerity and dedication, among other things, to help pass out 164 and 165 Pilots' courses in time. He had worked beyond the call of duty on many occasions to meet all tasks. During this period, trainee and staff pilots in MOFTU had performed well in all professional spheres and for this Sqn Ldr Khan had a significant part to play.

Besides his primary job, he had performed all additional responsibilities in a befitting manner. His administrative ability was stood out and he had made significant contributions in many areas of activity in the unit including construction of the MOFTU museum.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Tarique Jamil Ahmed Khan, posthumously.