Gp Capt Vivek Kumar Chopra was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the Indian Air Force on 12 June 1971. His excellence in professionalism earned him the nomination for Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) course at rather young age. Thereafter, he was selected for Fighter Combat Leader Course. To make full use of his experience, the officer was specially selected as Directing Staff at the Tactics and Combat Development and Training Establishment (TACDE). He also held the appointment of Flying Inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. Gp Capt Chopra commanded a MiG-21 BIS Fighter Squadron (Sqn) in Western Sector. He ensured a high standard of training and discipline and the Sqn displayed exceptional flight safety record during his command tenure. This can be seen from the facts that the Sqn was adjudged amongst the best two Sqns in Western Air Command in flight safety. All pilots were made fully operational and despite the shortage of spares the Sqn flew more than 6000 sorties during 1989-91, which was the highest flown by any fighter sqn in IAF.

Currently, Gp Capt Chopra is discharging the responsibilities of Deputy Director Personnel (Officers) at Air HQ. In dealing with the great variety of cases in this key assignment, Gp Capt Chopra has displayed dynamism and bold initiative. The most significant contribution by him has been in updating existing personnel policies, ushering in computerisation in the key areas of this Directorate and carrying out in-depth studies in the case of manpower planning and their training. With his dogged perseverance, analytical and incisive mental facilities, Gp Capt Chopra has been able to take all the matters pertaining to his work situation to their logical conclusion.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Vivek Kumar Chopra.

Air Commodore Vivek Kumar Chopra VSM (12752) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 12 Jun 71. During his illustrious career he has over 4000 hrs of flying on front line fighters. Having qualified as Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader he was especially selected as Directing Staff at Tactics and Combat Development and Training Establishment (TACDE). He has successfully commanded a Fighter Squadron and was also Flying Inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection.

Air Commodore Chopra has the distinction of Commanding two highly operational and sensitive forward based in the Western sector. During his tenure at Sirsa, the Station was declared the best operational air base of Western Air Command. As AOC, AF Station Pathankot, he met the exacting task of induction and de-induction of fighter, attack helicopter and Surface to Air Guided Weapon (SAGW) Squadrons at a very short notice on declaration of Op Parakram. His exemplary leadership and tireless effort ensured flawless execution of the complex task in least pos sible time. Air Cmde Chopra was appointed as Director Operations (Air Defence) on 18 Mar 02. In a short span of one and half year he, with his perseverance and go-getter attitude ensured that conceptual ideas such as JCAS Op from Palam or Bison Detachment at Ozar were put into action. Formulation and implementation of operational requirements for various SAGW systems were streamlined. During this period the procedure for optimum exploitation of Su-30 MK I and Bison ac were also evolved.

A number of Tri-Services contentious issues related to Air Defence were resolved through various study groups. He proved his exceptional managerial quality by organizing the first ever Tri-Services Air Defence Seminar, which was applauded by participants of all the three Services.

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