Wing Commander Ashutosh Lal (18785) F (P) was commissioned on 13 Jun 87 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. An A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, he has held several important operational and instructional appointments.

He was appointed as Commanding Officer of Attack Helicopter (AH) Squadron on 09 Aug 04. With astounding involvement and relentless drive he propelled the Squadron towards safe maximisation of its operational potential. Leading with innovative vision, he established the off base night operations as the core competence of the Squadron. He induced a vibrant team spirit amongst his subordinates and instituted a proactive, excellence seeking work ethos as Squadron's identity. Consequently, on several occasions the squadron simultaneously excelled in more than one important commitments. These included inter-service command level exercises, national tasks of Republic/ Independence day parades and other Air Force commitments of sensitive nature.

On the jointmanship front, the officer with his perseverance succeeded in building a new synergised understanding of AH employment by the supported Army formations. Under his leadership the Squadron has drawn accolades from several formations for its professionalism and operational approach especially while undertaking night missions.

The officer has also rallied intensely for optimisation through proactive management of resources, innovations and Information Technology applications. Some of the acclaimed innovations of the Squadron include the Night Vision Goggles, compatible helipad and tarmac lights, the Operational Risk Management matrix exclusive for helicopters and Radio Relay link for streaming the attack videos from remote locations. The Squadron has pioneered an IAF intranet based software solution automating the returns pertaining operations, flight safety, maintenance and administrative fields.

During the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, the Squadron under his command has been adjudged 'Above Average' in Operations and 'Average Plus' in Maintenance and Administration. The Squadron was adjudged 'Best Helicopter Unit' in Western Air Command for the year 2004-05.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Ashutosh Lal.