| Details : | Group Captain Vikram Gaur (21008) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 15 Dec 90. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, the officer has over 3200 hrs of total service flying and holds the distinction of being fully ops on four different types of fighter aircraft. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QH) and Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner (IRlE) who is also cleared for Low Level Aerobatics on Su-30MKI aircraft. An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, he has held many important Command and Staff appointments including 'Commanding Officer of a frontline Su-30 MKI squadron and Joint Director Personnel Officers at Air HQ (VB). The officer was awarded commendation by Chief of the Air Staff in 2003. The officer has taken part in 'Op Safed Sagar'. He is presently the Ops 1B and Leader of the Command Air Tasking and Strike Planning for Aerial Warfare (CATSPAW) at Headquarters Western Air Command. Group Captain Vikram Gaur commanded a Su-30 MKI fighter squadron in 2008-10, during which period the squadron was made into the first type training Su-30 MKI squadron. During this period the squadron achieved highest training and operational standards and passed out more than hundred aircrew with impeccable flight safety record. Under his able command, the squadron undertook the herculean task of formulating the SOPS, conducted the first Weapons Camp and field tested the entire spectrum of Air to Ground Weaponry of the Su-30 MKI aircraft for the first time in the IAF The officer was appointed as CATSPAW Leader in Head Quarter Western Air Command in Mar 2011. During his tenure, a Table-Top Exercise: Indian Checkers, was conceptualised, planned and conducted for the first time in HQ WAC. As CATSPAW Leader, the officer efficiently planned and conducted the Gauntlet-V and Gauntlet-VI Exercises. He displayed an outstanding grasp of the intricate task of modern aerial warfare planning, essential for Command Air Ops. As Ops 1B, he has ensured an all-encompassing quantum improvement in the overall Op preparedness of the Command forces by synergising meaningful routine training with realistic implementation and thus developed combat potential during Command Level exercises. His focused effort has resulted in closer liaison with the three affiliated Army Commands, improved targeting philosophy and synergising the Air Land War concept in this Command, which was effectively displayed during numerous Army exercises. A Command Air tasking Tool- 'Air Operations System' and its integration with Integrated Command Air Tasking System (ICATS) was actively pursued by him to fruition. His unconditional involvement, devotion to duty, leadership qualities and the highest norms of interpersonal relations has ensured a positive and professional work environment. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Vikram Gaur. |
