Wing Commander Prashant Nagaraja Kaushik (16783) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 04 Jun 1982. He has flown over 4000 h without accident of which nearly 2500 h has been on operational aircraft. He is a Pilot Attack Instructor and Qualified Flying Instructor.

He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College. He has been a Flight Commander of a fighter Squadron (Sqn) and the Chief Flying Instructor at Air Force Academy. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of a fighter Sqn since 28 Jun 2001.

Leading by his personal example, Wg Cdr Kaushik has been able to instill confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of professional pride in his Sqn personnel, thus binding them into a strong and potent force. In 2001, the Sqn was nominated for best fighter Sqn of the IAF. During Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) inspection in Dec 2001, the Sqn was assessed as average plus. The armament scores of the Sqn have consistently remained above average to exceptional. The Sqn, also had the rare distinction of being the first fighter Sqn in ten years to operate from Car Nicobar airfield.

Wg Cdr Kaushik has been able to motivate the Sqn to reach a very high level of performance. The Sqn has a unique dis tinction of having two major operational roles i.e. land strike and maritime strike. Despite constraints of aircrew and assets, the Sqn has executed all tasks in both roles in a professional and noteworthy manner, including participation in six inter-services exercises. Under the leadership of Wg Cdr Kaushik, the Sqn's performance in the long outstation detachment during 'Op Parakram' was creditable. During his tenure, the Sqn has flown more than 2700 h without an accident.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Prashant Nagaraja Kaushik.