Details : | Group Captain Vikassheel Singh Saini (25060-A) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Flying branch of Indian Air Force on 20 Jun 98. He has successfully completed his tenure as the Commanding Officer of a MiG-29 Upgrade squadron on 29 May 17. The officer is qualified on Mig-29 Upgrade, MiG-29 and MiG-21 (T-77). He has more than 2100 hours of flying experience and is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI). The officer has been a part of the prestigious Suryakiran Aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force. He was the Flight Commander of a MiG-29 Upgrade Squadron before tenanting his current appointment. As Flight Commander the officer showed professional acumen and leadership of a high order, and ensured that all aircrew gained their operational qualifications in the shortest possible timeframe. As Commanding Officer the officer has displayed exemplary professionalism, leadership, foresight and risk taking ability. Under his command, despite limitations of weapon testers not being available, the Squadron successfully carried out first time firing of aircraft guns and all classes of Beyond Visual Range missiles on the MiG-29 Upgrade. The Squadron completed the second phase of training with the Russian aircrew and carried out Air to Air refueling on the MiG-29 Upgrade for the first time in the Indian Air Force (IAF), thereby achieving full operationalization of the newly inducted aircraft. The Squadron carried out night flying from Udhampur airfield, becoming the first fighter unit of the IAF to do so. The squadron also carried out successful operations from Leh for the first time since upgrade. The Squadron successfully participated in Exercise 'Iron Fist' and achieved a direct hit on target on all days. It also participated in the Republic Day in 2017, and carried out an immaculate flypast despite extremely inclement weather on the final day. Under his guidance the Squadron actively participated in various trials with Russian specialists, and ensured achievement of upgrade tasks. He is an Aerospace Safety conscious officer, with an operational attitude. Under his command, the squadron also participated in various exercises, maintained high availability of aircraft, and achieved all operational tasks allotted to it in an extremely professional manner. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to duty) to Group Captain Vikassheel Singh Saini. |