Wing Commander Kapil Dev Chadha took over as Commanding Officer of a Transport Squadron in 1967. During the period of his command, the squadron has accomplished the air maintenance task of 12,000 tonnes in one year, flying over 12,000 accident free hours. This has been an all­time record in the squadron history. During the last 15 years, the officer has flown over 4,500 hours as Captain without any accident and has held the highest professional qualification.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kapil Dev Chadha displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty.

Air Marshal Kapil Dev Chadha, VM, was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1950 and has held important Command and Staff assignments. He commanded with distinction an operational squadron and a Flying Station. His important staff assignments at Air HQ included Director of Operations (Transport and Maritime) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans).

Air Marshal Chadha, himself a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College, has held the prestigious assignments of Chief Instructor at Defence Services Staff College and Senior Directing Staff at National Defence College. To both these appointments be brought a high degree of practical wisdom and expertise based on his vast fund of experience and knowledge.

As Director of Operations (Transport and Maritime), Air Marshal Chadha was responsible for formulation of policy, planning and control of the entire air transport, helicopter and Maritime Operations. He was instrumental in the formulation of plans to achieve optimum utilisation of the transport fleet.

Air Marshal Chadha while holding the appointment of Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) was responsible for forecasting, planning and formulating Air Staff Requirements for new aircraft and equipment for the Indian Air Force. His contribution in the areas of 'Long Term Financial Plans for the IAF', 'Induction of Medium Transport Aircraft', 'Aircraft for VVIP duties' and 'Control of Air Force Projects' has been particularly noteworthy.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, he was posted as Air Officer in-charge Administration at Air Headquarters. This sphere of responsibility covers a broad spectrum like organisation, Ceremonials, Medical Services, Work Services, Administration and financial control of various Air Force Welfare Funds and schemes, law and order, security of Air Force installations and management of Public Funds of the Air Force. In each one of these areas, Air Marshal Chadha has made a mark by his exceptional professional competence and qualities of leadership.

Air Marshal Kapil Dev Chadha has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.