Air Marshal Ranjeet Kumar Gupta (8899) AE (L) was commissioned on 05 Oct 1964 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. During his 38 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments which include Command of a Tropo communication unit, JDASR (EW) at Air HQ, AOC of a BRD, ACAS (Systems) at Air HQ, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of an operational command and Director General Radar and Communication Project Officer. During his flying tenure of 7 years as a flight signaller, he has flown approximately 1800 hours on Dakota aircraft on air maintenance missions in remote areas of North Eastern Sector of the country and 600 hours on TU-124 ac on VVIP/VIP communication duties in the Air HQ Communication Squadron.

Air Mshl RK Gupta was trained in USA on a EW Systems and earned the credit of operationalising the first vehicle mounted ESM system in the IAF. He underwent an IL76 maintenance course in erstwhile USSR and was appointed as Squadron Technical Officer of the first IL-76 squadron, where he was involved in the initial setting up of the maintenance and training infrastructure for this pure jet transport aircraft of IAF. As AOC of a BRD, he was instrumental in setting up hi-tech precision labs, which could undertake repair and overhaul of most modern electronic system. Under his inspiring leadership, the BRD won the Best Electronics BRD trophy for the year 1996-97. During Kargil operations, while functioning as ACAS (Systems) at Air HQ utilizing his interactive style of management with various PSUs, Op Commands and field units, he ensured high and sustained serviceability of radar, nav aids and auxiliary systems during the crucial phase of this operation.

Air Mshl Gupta held the appointment of SMSO, EAC from Mar 2000 to Sep 01. As SMSO, with his close liaison and skillful management of resources, he brought about considerable improvement in the operational availability of aircraft, radars, support vehicles and auxiliary equipment to meet all training and op requirement of EAC. During his tenure, EAC maintained high serviceability of MiG-27, MiG21 and AN-32 ac fleet inspite of shortage of spares for these erstwhile USSR origin ac.

In his present tenure at RCPO as Director General, Air Mshl RK Gupta is actively involved in system engineering and installation of various Radar and Communication equipment/projects for the IAF. He has successfully managed to implement a series of important AD projects. Notable among them is the successful completion of the long outstanding project of the Futuristic Automatic Data Handling System (FADHS), the stage 1 Digitization and installation of media secro units. The IMMOLS project of the IAF has recently been put to functional use under his direction after having overcome some of the long persisting problems.

Air Marshal Ranjeet Kumar Gupta has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Ramyar Keke Batha VSM (9588) AE (L) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 30 Oct 1964. In his 37 years of distinguished service, he has held many important appointments ranging from Senior Technical Officer (STO) of a fighter squadron, Chief Engineering Officer of a fighter base, Commandant Software Development Institute (SDI), Command Engineering Officer Western Air Command, Jt Dir Engineering Jaguar & ACAS Signals (Air) at Air HQ.

In recognition of his contribution he was commended by AOC-in-C Western Air Command in the year 1971 and by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1982. With his experience on western aircraft, he was given the responsibility of the Mirage induction programme, from 1983 to 1985, as a member of CMPT at Air HQ.

As Commandant SDI AVM Batha was responsible for setting up the Institute and taking over the tasks of this vital organization by grooming the human resources for this high-end intellectual engineering discipline. Also during this tenure as JD Eng 'Jaguar', the officer was responsible for a remarkable improvement of Jaguar fleet performance. For this contribution, the officer was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1996. AVM Batha took over as Command Engineering Officer at HQ WAC soon after the Kargil conflict. With his foresight, accurate planning and hardwork, he ensured high serviceability and maintenance standards in the entire WAC in respect of aircraft vehicles, ground support equipment etc.

As ACAS Sigs (Air), the officer was closely associated with Commanders and Op Staff, specially for planning and execution of communications and IT, impacting command and control requirements. A number of projects were planned and implemented including upgrades to communication network and installation of new network in coordination with OP and Maint Staff, MOD, RCPO, DOT and the Army. The high point in this tenure was responding to the Op Parakaram activation requirements of Commanders whereby all communications, signals and IT resources were mustered and mobilized for WAC and SWAC sectors to facilitate Air-Defence and Offensive operations.

Air Vice Marshal Ramyar Keke Batha VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Babu Ajit Kumar Shetty (10110) F (P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 13 Mar 66. He has held the appointments of CO of a fighter squadron, Station Commander of a helicopter base during 'OP PAWAN' and AOC of an active Fighter Base. An Alumni of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) at Wellington, he has held the most important appointments at Command and Air HQ. Presently he is Air Defence Commander of Western Air Command (WAC) since 01 Sep 2000.

Immediately after taking over in WAC, he was tasked to operationlise the Tactical Air Defence Integrated Display System (TADIDS) on priority. The TADIDS software was upgraded and operationlised in WAC within six months. Numerous modifications to the software were undertaken to make it user friendly and acceptable to field units. It is now possible to obtain real time air picture of WAC area at medium levels at any location using WACNET. Assistance to operationlise TADIDS in SWAC area was also provided. Similarly duplication of auto Control and Reporting Center (CRC) using Semi Automated Base Air Defence Complex (SABDC) computers has also been activated by the TADIDS cell under his guidance. This is a significant breakthrough which would prolong the employability of auto CRC developed at a cost of Rs. 85 crores. Efforts to completely automate AD set up are also underway in house at WAC.

During the recent deployment of AD assets, which has been the largest exercise undertaken so far, the AD set up was reviewed and deployed optimally without a single incident during the last eight months.

Air Vice Marshal Babu Ajit Kumar Shetty has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

AVM SS Lahiri took over as AOC of a BRD on 13 Sep 99 with a specific task of streamlining the test equipment management which was hitherto in total disarray. He started with the massive task of census of test equipment in the IAF, followed by identification of deficiencies and making them good through import or indigenization. His interaction with indigenous entrepreneurs has resulted in an indigenization of a number of complex testers with improved technology and reliability. By his sustained efforts, BRD could commission and streamline the functioning of mobile air transportable test equipment calibration set up. Beside the mobile set up, AVM SS Lahiri has also established stat of art echelon III test equipment repair facilities at the base depot. For all these efforts, the Bureau of Indian Standards has awarded ISO 9002 accreditation to his depot in recognition of the quality prod uction lines. Outstanding contribution by AVM SS Lahiri has enhanced the availability of testers at the field unit's manifold.

In addition to the repair and calibration of testers, Avro Check II servicing and Dornier 2400/3600 servicing is also done at a BRD. Under the watchful eyes of AVM SS Lahiri, both these lines have performed exceptionally well. Especially on Dornier the servicing time has been cut down to 50% as compared to the time taken by HAL and that too with the small work force of 40 technicians.

Air Vice Marshal Subhanka Sekhar Lahiri, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Ambrish Kumar VSM (11547) AE (L) was commissioned on 01 Apr 68 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. Throughout his distinguished service, he has held several important Command And Staff appointments including Senior Engineering Officer of a flying base, Dy Command Engineering Officer, Commanding Officer of Air Force Signals Center, Director at Air HQ, and Air Officer Commanding of a Base Repair Depot. He is a graduate of National Defence College. He was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Chief of the Air Staff and awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1996.

Whilst being the Senior Engineering Officer of AF Station Johrat, he performed with zeal and ensured sustained high serviceability of aircraft. As Commanding Officer of Air Force Signals Centre, he lost no time in addressing to the important issues, which included safe Air to Ground communication for VVIP ac. As Deputy Command Maintenance Officer, HQ CAC, he analysed the long- and short-term serviceability trends and identified weak areas for different types of ac, which included Mirage, Jaguar, Canberra, MiG, AN-32, IL-76 and helicopters. Through regular involvement and direct liaison with Air HQ, HQ Maintenance Command & HAL, he improved the serviceability of ac, support vehicles and auxiliary equipment.

AVM A Kumar was appointed Air Officer Commanding of a BRD on 04 Jan 01. On taking over, he faced the challenge of completing overhaul task of 31 helicopters as against 28 overhauled during the last year and that too within a short period of three months. The Air Officer realized that the task could be achieved only through his personal involvement sustained interaction with the working personnel and constant use of his professional acumen. With his foresight, meticulous planning and perseverance, he was able to motivate and direct personnel of the BRD, not only to complete the task of 31 helicopters but exceed it to 32. Realizing the uncertainty of product support from Russia/Ukraine, he also got indigenized a large number of mandatory spares and ground equipment. Indigenization/ innovation and additional overhaul task of engines, propellers, ac rotables undertaken in his guidance resulted in saving approximately 10 million rupees in foreign exchange. Under his leadership, his BRD won the “Best BRD Trophy: for the year 2001-2002.

Air Vice Marshal Ambrish Kumar VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Suryakant Nijanand Bal (10940) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch in Jun 67. During his career spanning 35 years, he acquitted himself commendably in diverse appointments including the post of AOC of the largest transport base, Air II WAC, and CAC, IAF respectively. He has served as Staff Pilot at Air HQ Comn Sqn for seven years.

As AOC, Air Force Station, Agra since Apr 99, Air Cmde Bal made significant improvements in all facets of Operations, Maintenance and Administration. Important achievements include inculcating high standards of professionalism and orientation towards service goals among officers and men through leadership, excellent standard of all Air Mobility operations, provision of transport support for Op Prakaram in an exceptional manner, organization of relief operations for victims of earthquake in Gujarat and floods in Orissa, planning Indo-US joint Air Mobility Exercises ESBALANCE IRIQUOIS and EX COPE IN- DIA. Air Cmde Bal has improved the state of Operational and Maintenance infrastructure which include improving serviceability state of ac, smooth introduction of 1800h servicing of AN-32 ac by HAL and establishing Canberra Overhaul Project for extension of life. Through his dedication and effective liaison with Aeronautical Design Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), he gave an impetus to manufacture of CMK-8 parachute for Canberra ac and lashing straps for AN-32 ac, resulting in saving of considerable foreign exchange to the exchequer. His untiring efforts have contributed AF Station Agra being adjudged as the Most Improved Station, Best in Administration in HQ CAC, IAF and Runner Up Trophy of 'pride of CAC' successively for the year 2000-01 and 2001-01 and Best in Maintenance for the year 2001-2202.

Air Commodore Suryakant Nijanand Bal has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Packiam Paul Rajkumar (12018) Flying (Pilot) F (P) was commissioned in the IAF on 21 Jun 69.

An A-2 Qualified Instructor (QFI), graduate of National Defence College and the Defence Services Staff College, he has commanded an operational helicopter unit, which actively participated in Op Pawan in Sri Lanka. He has also been at the helm of the Helicopter Training School, a premium training institution of the Indian Air Force and successfully commanded an Air Force Station. He has also served eminently as Air Force Examiner in the AEB during 1985-88. He has over 6500 accident free flying hours to his credit.

The officer took charge as the Director of Operations (Transport and Helicopters) on 24 Dec 01, at the peak of the recent Air Force activation. This called for intense personal involvement and meticulous planning to ensure that the IAF firepower was positioned on the western border well within the stipulated time. He has been able to successfully achieve this enormous task in smooth and efficient manner. The officer ensured continued serviceability and high availability of the helicopter fleet which is the lifeline for sustenance of troops in the forward areas, especially high altitudes.

It is to the credit of the air officer that during this period of enhanced activity, equal attention was paid to the revision and standardization of various orders, instructions and operating procedures pertaining to transport and helicopter operations. The cases for replenishment of spares and equipment for the fleet are also being expeditiously progressed by the officer with acumen and vision.

Air Commodore Packiam Paul Rajkumar has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Pradeep Kumar was commissioned in the IAF, as a helicopter pilot on 21 Jun 1969. During 33 years of distinguished service, his important Command and Staff appointments include, Commands of two flying bases and Air II of an Operational Command. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, has instructed at the Flying Instructors' School and has over 6700 hours to his credit.

As Station Commander Kumbhigram, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for overall improvements on the base. As Air II of HQ SWAC, he planned and executed a night SHBO involving 48 helicopters, in a Battalion Group drop. As DDG of Air Force Naval housing Board, he recovered Rs. six crore of bad debt, which was the hard earned money of the uniformed personnel. As AOC Yelahanka, he successfully planned and conducted the mega international Aero India show during Feb 01, involving 45 countries, thus winning laurels for the country.

He was appointed Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Record officer on 23 Jul 01. The first challenge he faced was to get Pension Payment Orders released for approx. 6000 ex airmen, who even six months to a year after their discharge had not received their pension. By working long hours, he ensured that arrears were cleared immediately; as well the system was streamlined, so as to enable each airman proceeding on discharge to get his pensionary benefits on his last day in uniform. Under his leadership the personnel of AFRO were able to pin point a serious mismatch between the induction and discharge rates of airmen and initiating suitable measures to set this anomaly right. A new promotion policy for airmen has been worked out and implemented to overcome the time frame disparities between ranks and trades. These measures have contributed immensely to the upliftment of morale of personnel.

During 'OP PRAKRAM', once in Dec 01 and again in May 02, he was entrusted with the responsibility of positioning the right personnel with right training, at right places in right numbers, along our Western Borders. This, inspite of below par manning of the Air Force, was achieved in record time, with optimal utilization of available resources, so as to ensure that Air Force was fully capable to face any challenge from across the borders.

Air Commodore Pradeep Kumar VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Rishi Pal Singh VSM (12639) AE (M) was commissioned on 12 Jun 71 in the Technical Engineering Branch of the IAF. Whilst as Deputy Director at Air Headquarters, he performed creditably and for his distinguished service he was awarded VSM in 1996. He has held the appointment of Chief Engineering Officer of a fighter base, command of a Base Repair Depot and Director of Engineering 'A' at Air Headquarters. He is an alumni of National Defence College.

As Director Engineering 'A', he is now responsible for all maintenance and logistics activities for the entire Russian fighter fleet. He participated in many price negotiation meetings with foreign vendors, leading to considerable reductions in price and speedy conclusions of contracts for supply of urgently needed spares and setting up of SU-30 service support center. Enhanced availability of aircraft for operational task and creation of floats for major items like engines for MiG-21 variants are the visible results of the same.

As Chief Engineering Officer he was able to set a new record of average serviceability of 84% for two years for the oldest version of MiG-21 aircraft. The base was also declared 'Best Maintained Station' within Eastern Air Command. He also directed a project while at Air Headquarters, which culminated in life extension of R-11 aeroengines from 1200 to 1700 hrs., this effort alone has saved more than Rs. 100 crores to the exchequer in foreign exchange. Procurement of R-13 engine from abroad against all odds and subsequent modification of MiG-21 Type 96 fleet with R-13 in record time during 2001, speaks very high of his enviable capabilities, foresight and professionalism.

While commanding a Base Repair Depot he ensured stabilizing AN-32 series production line in record time. As a result, dispatch of AN-32 aircraft for repair/overhaul abroad in succeeding years has stooped.

Air Commodore Rishi Pal Singh VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Nirdosh Vatsyayan Tyagi VM VSM (12765) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying branch on 12 Jun 1971. In 31 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments. He commanded two fighter units for over five years. He was a Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College. He was awarded VSM in 1987, and VM in 1988. He was Deputy Director Electronic Warfare (Operations) at Air Headquarters and Ops 1A at a Command Headquarters. He has been commanding a large fighter station since 04 January 2001.

In his present assignment, using a judicious mix of delegation and supervision, he has ensured that conducive atmosphere is created for professional growth. The dormant talent, thus unleashed, has resulted in progressive improvement in the performance of the Station. Flying effort, operational status, role specific training, aircraft serviceability and flight safety environment, are some of the areas where noteworthy improvements have taken place. A combined effect of these was evident when the squadrons of the base were able to deploy the requisite number of 24 MiG-27 fighters for OP PARAKRAM in December 2001, despite a deficiency of four fighters against the establishment.

He has taken initiative on several other counts to safeguard interests of the Service. Pollution created by unloading of cement clinker at railway siding near the camp area was adversely affecting the Base. This issue was resolved and unloading operation was suspended. PWD authorities have been persuaded to widen and resurface approach road to the camp. Unplanned growth of shanties on State Govt land near the main gate of the Station was posing a security hazard. A socio-politically-viable solution to the problem has been worked out.

For the year 2001, the Station was adjudged the best in Landline Communications in the IAF. Later, during the year, one of the MiG-27 squadrons of the Stations participated in Exercise VAYU SPARDHA, emerging first overall, to be designated the Best Combat Squadron of the IAF. For the year 2002, the Station was selected to participate in the Best Flying Station in the IAF competition, which was later cancelled due to operational deployment. However, the Station was adjudged best Op and overall the best in EAC.

Air Commodore Nirdosh Vatsyayan Tyagi VM VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Norman Anil Kumar Browne VM (13129) F (P) was commissioned in the IAF on 24 Jul 72. He has held several important command and staff appointments that include Directing Staff at Tactical Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), command of a Jaguar fighter squadron, Defence Attaché at Embassy of India at Tel Aviv, Israel and Chief Operations Officer of a premium fighter base. He is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, USA and also served as a Directing Staff at Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington. He was awarded VM in 1994 for distinguished service.

Air Cmde Browne was entrusted with the task of establishing for the first time the Indian Defence Wing at Tel Aviv, Israel in 1997. As the Defence Attaché, he carried out excellent pioneering work and laid the foundation for coordinating various projects of the three services, in addition to the requirements of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and MoD. His close liaison with the Israeli MoD and their Defence forces proved highly beneficial during Kargil crisis. His detailed planning and close involvement saw the induction of a number of new avionics and weapon systems, which are now operational with the three Services.

Air Cmde Browne was appointed Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Pune on 29 Jun 2001. On taking over the command he faced the challenges of improving SU-30 aircraft serviceability in the face of uncertainty of availability of spares from Russia. With thorough planning and personal involvement the Serviceability State has improved to 85%. This afforded an optimum deployment of aircraft in support of Op 'Parakaram'. He has meticulously guided the squadron in evolving tactics and employment philosophy of the ac. He has also laid the foundation and planned the build up of infrastructure for the induction of the new variant SU-30 MK I. The officer has inspired confidence amongst all his station personnel. He has been innovative and cost conscious. Under his able guidance, the station has achieved high standards, which showed during the visit of Director of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) in Dec 01 when the station was assessed as 'Average Plus' in all fields and earned 'Above Average' grading in flight safety.

Air Commodore Norman Anil Kumar Browne VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Nirbhay Kumar Jain (13576) F (P) was commissioned on 09 Feb 74. A Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, he has 2843 hrs of flying to his credit. His appointments include command of Air Defence Flight, instructional tenure at Air Force Academy and staff appointment at Air HQs. Gp Capt Jain took over the command of Air Force Station, Dinjon on 10 May 99. The Station is located in Assam and is a hard tenure area. On taking over, he assessed the situation and embarked on a plan to improve the station in all respects. With his positive attitude, unfettered zeal and dedication, he adopted a systematic approach to improve the professional environment and work ethos in this difficult and remotely located unit. During his tenure as a Commanding Officer, Gp Capt NK Jain displayed qualities of an excellent commander and brought all round development in the Station be it opera tional, administrative or welfare of the personnel. He ensured effective training wherein the unit personnel improved their professional categories and the maintenance and administration improved to a high standard.

Under his able command, the station was awarded “Best Progress Made Trophy", bronze “Rajbhash Shield" for the year 19992000 and the “Best Signals Unit Trophy" of EAC for the year 2001-2002. Under his dynamic leadership, the unit was assessed as 'Above the Average' during the DASI inspection held in the year 2001.

Group Captain Nirbhay Kumar Jain has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.