Air Vice Marshal Kuppuswamier Chidambaram, (3531), Logistics, was commissioned in the Air Force in 1948. He has held a number of important appointments with distinction, including the command of four different Equipment Depots. His contribution as Officer Commanding of an Equipment Depot during Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, was specially significant. Despite the limited resources at his disposal, he provided an extremely effective logistic support to all the operating units. It was due to his initiative and innovative approach that tedious problems like unlinked invoices worth crores of rupees and long outstanding claims at the Depot, were solved successfully. The drill laid down by him in this respect was subsequently adopted by all other Depots. It was at his instance that his staff identified and recovered a large number of tools and test equipment from obsolete aircraft systems which resulted in saving considerable amount of foreign exchange.

In 1975, he was posted as Director of Stores. By his professional skill and excellent organising ability, he brought about marked improvement in the supply position of flying clothing and clothing for airmen, both of which were in short supply. In 1977, as the Air Force Member of the Inter Ministerial Special Surplus Disposal Committee, he was responsible for the successful disposal of a large variety of phased out aircraft aero-engines and spares, which had been defying solution for a number of years. In 1978, he was appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Logistics). In that capacity, he has controlled and directed the activities of six Directorates and, undeterred by the shortfall in resources, he forged them into an efficient and effective organisation spanning the wide spectrum of operation of trainer aircraft, supply of aviation fuels, mechanical transport, maintenance planning, inspection and administration.

Air Vice Marshal Kuppuswamier Chidambaram (Retd) has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.