Wing Commander Pirthi Singh took over command of a fighter Squadron which was being re-equipped with a new type of aircraft. He personally carried out extensive trials to collect valuable data required for maximum exploitation of this aircraft. Re­equipment of this Squadron at a forward base demanded very close supervision and leadership. The problems associated with induction of this aircraft in the Indian Air Force were also unusual. Inspite of the difficulties, the Squadron became fully operational in remarkably short time and Wing Commander Singh himself attained the highest instrument rating on the new type of aircraft.

Throughout, Wing Commander Pirthi Singh displayed devotion to duty and leadership.

Wing Commander Pirthi Singh was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1953. He has been on deputation to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore Division since 7th December, 1970 as a test pilot. During this tenure, he has done 669 hours of test flying consisting of prototype and production testing. He has been actively associated with development work on the HF-24 Trainer, Kiran aircraft and larger external fuel tank tests on the Gnat aircraft. He has displayed a high degree of skill and intelligence during the conduct of this very exacting and difficult task. He has also been associated with prototype trials of Boosters for an operational type of aircraft and he successfully carried out the first flight with this device.

Throughout, Wing Commander Pirthi Singh has displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Group Captain Prithi Singh is Commanding a major fighter base of the Air Force since 16th July, 1976. A highly qualified test pilot, he has wide experience on seventy types of aircraft and has made a significant contribution to the production testing of aircraft and various important flight evaluation trials for the Indian Air Force. He has flown 4383 hours without a single avoidable accident. He has set a high standard of flying and has given a lead to his subordinates by his personal example. In addition to the control of the aircraft based at his Wing he is responsible for coordinating the Armament Training of most of the Squadrons in Western Air Command. He has carried out both these tasks in an exemplary manner and has consistently achieved the highest standards in both the fields. Simultaneously, he has personally conducted flight trials of indigenously manufactured equipment fitted on various aircraft which has contributed to our operational potential.

While he was in command of the base, a few of our other airfields were closed for repairs. This entailed the induction of an additional force at his base which accentuated the problem of maintaining a close control over their movements. He reorganised his navigational and other aids and ensured the smooth conduct of the heavy flying activity. During the same period, he also coordinated and conducted a successful fire power demonstration. His contribution in making the Flight Safety Programme at the Station extremely effective has been creditable.

Group Captain Prithi Singh has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Pirthi Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1953. During his distinguished service of 35 years, he has held important command and staff appointments such as Command of the Aircraft and System Testing Establishment, Director Offensive Operations, Director Training, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) and Deputy Chief of Air Staff at Air Headquarters. He is a graduate of National Defence College.

Air Marshal P Singh is a test pilot who has evaluated advanced supersonic aircraft of widely varying design. As a test pilot he holds the rare distinct having carried out evaluation trials of all combat aircraft presently held in the Air Force Inventory. In 1979, he was appointed Commandant Aircraft System and Testing Establishment where he organised and participated in the testing and development of new equipment. He carried out these tasks successfully and without incurring a single incident involving loss or damage to any aircraft or equipment under development. As Commandant, he had shown extreme devotion and made outstanding contributions to aeronautical development in the country. Due to his initiative, dedication, hard work and foresight, the Test Pilot School at ASTE is rated very high.

As Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Singh continued to display qualities if extreme dedication and professional excellence. His acumen for planning and dear perception of the long term operational requirements of the Air Force was a strong contributory factor to finalisation of some long term plans.

Air Marshal Pirthi Singh, AVSM, VM & Bar has, thus, rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.