Squadron Leader Anil Chopra (13368) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a fighter Squadron.

The officer was on amongst the initial batch of pilots to be trained in France on Vajara aircraft in the Squadron he has been a senior supervisor initially and later a Flight Commander. His vast experience and knowledge as a Qualified flying instructor, Test Pilot and an Instrument Rating Examiner was utilized in formulating operating procedures, tactics and aircraft utilization doctrines. He was specifically assigned the task of carrying out in-depth study of aircraft avionics and to formulate Air Defence Standard Operating procedures.

The Officer was selected to undergo Electronic Warfare Operational Course aboard. On return he was assigned the task of flight Commander Electronic Warfare. As the Flight Commander he was assigned the task of inducting and carrying out efficiency trials of the most sophisticated and High Tech Electronic Warfare Equipment in to Electronics Warfare were formulated. He imparted efficient training to other pilots in the Squadron.

For his professional ability, exceptional leadership qualities, managerial skills and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Anil Chopra.

Group Captain Anil Chopra was commissioned in the fighter stream on 02 Jun 73. A Qualified Flying Instructor and a Test Pilot, he was selected in the first batch of pilots to go to France for Mirage-2000 training. On return he formed the core group to train other pilots in India. The officer was subsequently sent to France for an Operational Electronic Warfare (EW) Course. He was instrumental in forming the first EW flight on Mirage-2000 aircraft. He was awarded VM in 1989. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, he was selected to be the Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff, an appointment he held with two successive Air Chiefs.

Gp Capt Chopra commanded a Mirage2000 Squadron from 1992 to 1994. Thereafter, he was appointed the senior staff officer to Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command. Gp Capt Chopra led the team of staff with a high degree of efficiency. Through his operational background and logical approach he gave valuable inputs for decision making. He introduced new management techniques to increase individual performance and motivation of the staff. The officer has established an excellent rapport with field Commanders and Command Staff.

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

Air Vice Marshal Anil Chopra (13368) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) on 02 Jun 73. In his 34 years of his career he has held important appointments which include command of a premier fighter Sqn, Chief Ops Officer and AOC of a major fighter station. He was also the Team Leader of the MiG-21 Bis upgrade project in Russia and Commandant of the prestigious Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. Since Sep 06 he has been the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Jammu & Kashmir. The air officer is a QFI, Test Pilot, IRIE, and has done staff college. In all these courses he has distinguished himself. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1989 and Vishisht Seva Medal in 1996.

As AOC J&K he commands a large geographical area with six flying stations and Tactical Air Centers under him. J&K is one area which has witnessed continuous live operations in the Counter Insurgency grid and in Siachen, and IAF aircraft are regularly operating right up to the line of control. In this entire area, the Civil Govt, the para military forces, and the Indian Army are dependent through the year on the Air operations.

The Air officer has been working very closely with Northern Army Command and has taken the initiative to have a fresh look at all joint operational procedures and documents. He has worked towards greatly reducing airborne response time for both the Counter Insurgency operations and the casualty evacuation. The IAF has not only met all the targets of Air maintenance for the year but has actually exceeded by nearly 1000 tons. The Air Officer's performance in the Air Force Exercise Gagan Shakti as Red Force Commander North was indeed commendable. The Air officer leads from the front and uses his vast experience to resolve all issues at his level.

Last winter saw extended closure of the National Highway between Jammu-Srinagar. Also, bad weather isolated many remote areas of the state, especially in higher Himalayas. His leadership and personal involvement in OP Humsafar was commended in writing by the Chief Minister. The Air officer has repeatedly shown selfless devotion to the service, and exemplary courage and professional excellence of the highest order which are in keeping with the best traditions of the IAF.

Air Vice Marshal Anil Chopra, VM, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.