Group Captain RP Singh was commissioned on 12 Jan 71 in the Engineering Branch. He has served as the Senior Technical Officer of two MiG-21 Squadrons. He was appointed as Deputy Director Engineering A2(T) on 09 Apr 90. When he took over, 20 to 30 type77/96 (MiG-21) aircraft in units were without engines. After having realised that R-11 engines were no more in production in any country, he embarked upon the idea of life extension of these engines. Subsequent studies in Russia, based on the thought process initiated by him, resulted in life extension of R-11s from 1200 to 1600 h. This in turn resulted in a huge saving to the Government. He was also able to prevail upon HAL to carry out partial repair of R-13 engines and five engines have been accepted by Koraput.

As a member of Indian delegation to Kyrgyzstan, he was instrumental in selecting 15 best MiG-21 trainers along with the best of the available R-13 engines. This single acquisition has resolved MiG-21 trainer shortage in IAF once for all. Life extension of R-11 engines has generated 1,25,000 additional hours and repairs of five R-13 engines in India under his guidance have resulted in saving of more than 10 crore rupees in foreign exchange.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain RP Singh.

Air Commodore Rishi Pal Singh VSM (12639) AE (M) was commissioned on 12 Jun 71 in the Technical Engineering Branch of the IAF. Whilst as Deputy Director at Air Headquarters, he performed creditably and for his distinguished service he was awarded VSM in 1996. He has held the appointment of Chief Engineering Officer of a fighter base, command of a Base Repair Depot and Director of Engineering 'A' at Air Headquarters. He is an alumni of National Defence College.

As Director Engineering 'A', he is now responsible for all maintenance and logistics activities for the entire Russian fighter fleet. He participated in many price negotiation meetings with foreign vendors, leading to considerable reductions in price and speedy conclusions of contracts for supply of urgently needed spares and setting up of SU-30 service support center. Enhanced availability of aircraft for operational task and creation of floats for major items like engines for MiG-21 variants are the visible results of the same.

As Chief Engineering Officer he was able to set a new record of average serviceability of 84% for two years for the oldest version of MiG-21 aircraft. The base was also declared 'Best Maintained Station' within Eastern Air Command. He also directed a project while at Air Headquarters, which culminated in life extension of R-11 aeroengines from 1200 to 1700 hrs., this effort alone has saved more than Rs. 100 crores to the exchequer in foreign exchange. Procurement of R-13 engine from abroad against all odds and subsequent modification of MiG-21 Type 96 fleet with R-13 in record time during 2001, speaks very high of his enviable capabilities, foresight and professionalism.

While commanding a Base Repair Depot he ensured stabilizing AN-32 series production line in record time. As a result, dispatch of AN-32 aircraft for repair/overhaul abroad in succeeding years has stooped.

Air Commodore Rishi Pal Singh VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.