Group Captain Sumesh Kumar Saigal (14594) AE (L) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of 1AF on 05 Jul 1976. He has been Commanding Officer of a Radio Maintenance Unit since Mar 1997.

The officer has dedicated himself to transform the maintenance culture of radio equipment. He has been responsible for transformation of a Radio Maintenance Unit (RMU) from a second line maintenance outfit to a major repair center of electronic equipment in the northern sector. Though entrusted with the task of radio equipment repair, he diversified the range of his unit into field of radar electronics and electrical power electronics especially in areas where facilities for such repair were not existing within the IAF. Facilities to repair peripherals for display console of P-40 Radars and to carry out fourth line IRAN Servicing on these consoles were successfully developed. Under his guidance the unit also conceived a personal computer repair laboratory whose support has been of great assistance to units especially those located in far-flung areas. Over 300 peripherals of computers were repaired in the year of inception of this facility and made available to field units.

With his technical acumen, the officer has repeatedly provided engineering solutions to recover equipment held unserviceable at various stations. Development of OEN panel for DG Sets, Reworking of AMF panel for power houses, repair of peripherals for aircraft starting aggregates were some of the land mark tasks successfully undertaken by the officer.

The Officer displayed sound professional and innovative approach in developmental tasks also. He has successfully designed and developed prototypes for Remote controlled Arrestor Barrier and Loud Hailer system for helicopters.

For distinguished services of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Sumesh Kumar Saigal.