Group Captain Rajiv Mital (14167) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the IAF in Jul 1975. In his 30 years of distinguished service, he has held many important appointments at almost all levels of maintenance organisation in the IAF that include Senior Technical Officer of a premier flying squadron, Senior Engineer at a flying base and staff appointment at operational commands (Central Air Command, South Western Air Command and Western Air Command) and at Air HQ. He is currently commanding a Base Repair Deport (BRD), which has the rare distinction of overhauling three types of fighter aircraft aeroengines viz. R-29, M53-P2 and Viper.

After an initial successful stint of over a decade in MiG-21 Squadrons, Gp Capt Mital was specially selected for training abroad on the most complex ATEC system of Mirage 2000 aircraft in Oct 1984. During his long tenure of five years as STO of a fighter Squadron, the squadron matured from its infancy and was adjudged as best fighter squadron twice in a row.

Gp Capt Mital is a hardcore professional with a high level of integrity, dedication, devotion and 'never say die' attitude. Due to his exemplary military leadership qualities clubbed with his inherent engineering skills, he could motivate a professional group of AE officers, Engine Fit tradesmen and Workshop Fit tradesmen to achieve many landmarks in the history of a BRD. Under his efficient leadership, BRD achieved 'Average Plus' grading by DMI in Aug 2004 from its previous 'Below Average' grading. During the recent Commanders' conference held at HQ MC in Dec 2004, BRD, AF has also been adjudged as 'Best Aircraft BRD' in IAF.

Under his leadership, BRD has grown from strength to strength and developed a large number of innovative repair schemes which not only helped IAF in sustaining improved fleet status of Mirage-2000, MiG-27 and Kiran aircraft fleet but also resulted in huge savings of precious foreign exchange. BRD has now been selected for Best BRD competition in 2005.

For all-round distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Rajiv Mital.