Squadron Leader Kapil Razdan (8005) AE (M) is posted as the Senior Technical Officer (STO) of a Squadron being reequipped with a new type of aircraft.

When the he took over as the Senior Technical Officer there was no servicing infrastructure. He therefore had to organize the completing servicing facilities for the aircraft while new aircraft were already being delivered. With the induction of more aircraft and Pilots came into the inevitable pressure to undertake conversions and of acquiring operational status. Undaunted, he readily accepted the challenge and methodically went about accomplishing the Herculean task which consisted of identification and segregation of tools/ground equipment, setting of servicing bays, scheduling of first and second line servicing facilities and organization of effective maintenance control. In addition he also had to organize the basic and follow up training of newly posted technicians.

Inspite of desperate shortage of trained manpower and continuing shortage of ground/test equipment and spares, Sqn Ldr Razdan has so organized the Squadron Technical activities that the Squadron flew 1100 sorties during the first year with limited aircraft, and also carried out weapons sorties and night flying. All these 1100 sorties were flown without a single accident which speaks volumes for the standard of maintenance practices that he set up. His efforts have contributed substantially towards enabling the Squadron to train 10 new pilots and to declare another 12 pilots operational, thereby achieving a creditable operational status in a short time.

During the year, Sqn Ldr Razdan has worked long and arduous hours every day without a break with utter disregard for his personal problems and basic needs. Despite all this pressure of work he has gone out of the way to look after the welfare of his airmen, as well. By his fine example and a tremendous drive, he has been a source of inspiration to all the technical officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and airmen.

For his selfless devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Kapil Razdan.