Wing Commander Arup Raha was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 14 December 1974. He has served as an instructor at both Flying Instructors School and at Tactics and Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). He is currently an Examiner for awarding instrument rating on MiG-29 aircraft. Trained in Russia, he has contributed immensely towards operational utilisation of the MiG-29 aircraft. He is also a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

Wg Cdr A Raha was appointed the Commanding Officer of a MiG-29 Squadron (Sqn) in June 1992. On taking over Command, he faced the problem of poor operational status of aircrew and lack of supervisory pilots, compounded by reduced flying effort due to lack of spares. With thorough planning and sustained effort, within a period of one year his squadron achieved fully operational status for all aircrew. The Sqn currently boasts of 10 supervisors and 10 Trainer Captains with 100 percent instrument rated status which is an exceptional achievement.

Wg Cdr A Raha ensured a very high serviceability state of aircraft despite the nonavailability of critical spares from Russia. The officer's exceptional professional competence has helped in evolving sound operational tactics for the MiG-29 aircraft in Air Defence role. The current tactics for the aircraft in intercept role were formulated by him. He has flown more than 700 h/1250 sorties on MiG-29 aircraft, possibly the highest in the IAF. He has to his credit 3300 hrs of accident free flying.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wg Cdr Arup Raha.