Jasjit Singh (IAF officer)

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Operation Cactus-Lilly
Awards Padma Bhushan
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Vir Chakra
Vayu Sena Medal
RelationsVice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (son)

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
. He last served as the Director of Operations of the IAF.

He later headed the

Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses from 1987 to 2001 as its Director. In 2001, he founded the think tank Centre for Air Power Studies in New Delhi and served as its Director General till his death in 2013.[1]

Military career

Singh was born on 8 July 1934. He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 1 April 1956. Selected into the fighter stream of the IAF, he trained as a fighter pilot. In the early years of his career, he served as a Flight Commander in an operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector in 1961-62. He later served as a flying instructor at the Flying Instructors School at Tambaram Air Force Station. He attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington in 1968.[2]

Vir Chakra

During the

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Singh was a part of No. 3 Squadron IAF. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry. The citation for the Vir Chakra reads as follows:[3]

Date of Award: 17-12-1971

CITATION

SQUADRON LEADER JASJIT SINGH

(5100) FLYING (PILOT)

During the operations against Pakistan in 1971, Squadron Leader Jasjit Singh flew a number of operational missions over heavily defended enemy areas. In spite of heavy ground opposition he pressed home his attacks and destroyed a number of enemy tanks, gun positions and bunkers. He also supervised the servicing of aircraft and thus ensured maximum serviceability of aircraft for operations.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Jasjit Singh displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Post-war career

On 20 January 1975, Singh was appointed commanding officer of No. 17 Squadron IAF. After over two years in command of the squadron, he was promoted to the rank of Group Captain and moved to Air headquarters as the Director (Flight Safety). He subsequently served as the Director (Offensive Operations), and as Director (Air Induction), both at Air HQ.

Post-retirement

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Bhushan to Air Commodore Jasjit Singh, at investiture ceremony in New Delhi
on 29 March 2006

Singh founded the Air Force

In 2006, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by Government of India.[6]

Bibliography

Singh authored multiple books during his time heading the think tanks

Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and the Centre for Air Power Studies
.

References

  1. ^ a b "PM condoles Air Commodore Jasjit Singh's death, calls him inspirational military leader". Business Standard. IANS. 5 August 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  2. ^ "Service Record for Air Commodore Jasjit Singh 5100 GD(P) at Bharat Rakshak.com". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Gallantry Awards | Ministry of Defence, Government of India". www.gallantryawards.gov.in. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Former Directors of IDSA". Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  5. ^ "Strategic thinker Jasjit Singh passes away". DNA India. 4 August 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Padma Awards Directory (1954–2009)" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2013.