Group Captain Kanwar Iqbal Singh Chhabra was commissioned in the Flying Branch (Navigator) of the Indian Air Force in April, 1950. He has held several key appointments with distinction. At present, he is the Commander of a Tactical Air Centre. During the conflict with Pakistan in December, 1971, when the enemy launched a massive attack in the Chhamb­Jaurian Sector, he, working in close cooperation with the Army, planned and executed the maximum possible number of sorties out of the resources available with him. The air support to the Army not only blunted enemy attacks but contributed considerably to the destruction of his ground forces and the virtual elimination of enemy air opposition in the theatre. When the enemy tried to misguide our missions by R/T, he devised a simple authentication system which thwarted the enemy's attempts.

Throughout, Captain Kanwar Iqbal Singh Chhabra rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Kanwar Iqbal Singh Chhabra, AVSM, was commissioned in the Indian Force in April 1950. During his long service career, he had distinguished himself not only by professional competence but also by outstanding administrative ability. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and also the National Defence College.

His command appointments include the command of a TAC during Indo-Pak conflict in December 1971, where he displayed exceptional skill in planning, supervision leadership. He achieved outstanding results by blunting the massive enemy attacks ChhambJaurian sector and contributed to the destruction of ground forces and elimination of enemy air opposition in the theatre.

In recent years, Air Marshal Chhabra, has held with distinction the important appointments of Senior Officer Administration at Central Air Command and Air Officer Commanding, HQ Maritime Air Operations where he achieved excellence in cooperation with the Navy and with connected civil agencies.

In his present appointment as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command which carries out overhaul and repair of aircraft, aero-engines, and ground equipment and specialist vehicles, Air Marshal through effective and efficient management of manpower and material resources brought about significant improvements in the output. This has directly contributed in improving serviceability and output of operational units.

Air Marshal Kanwar Iqbal Singh Chhabra has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.