Wing Commander Suman Sharma (14490) Adm/FC was commissioned in the IAF as a Fighter Controller on 16 Jun 76 and has been the Commanding Officer of an Air Force Radar Unit since 10 Feb 97. He is an extremely capable and highly qualified Fighter Controller and a Master Fighter Controller.

In the recent past the enemy had stepped up its hostile activities including frequent violations of the Indian air space for purposes of reconnaissance and intelligence. On 10 Aug 99, at 1052 hrs, the Controller on duty on radar picked up an unidentified track inside Pakistan heading towards India 160 km from base 42 km from the nearest point on the International Border. The Controller immediately informed the Sector Director and Wg Cdr Sharma. Considering the significance of the track, Wg Cdr Sharma took personal charge and immediately placed our air defence interceptors on higher alert. The speed of the unidentified aircraft indicated the possibility of a shooting engagement involving risk to Indian life and property. The unidentified aircraft continued several orbits over the IB, in the process intruding into Indian air space twice between 1100 and 1111 hrs. Wg Cdr Sharma directed the air defence interceptors at 1100 hrs to scramble and positioned them in such a manner as to boldly intercept this unidentified aircraft if it carried out any further violation of Indian airspace.

When this hostile aircraft intruded into Indian air space again at 1115 hrs, he ordered the air defence mission to identify the intruder. On being identified as a Pakistan Navy Atlantique maritime reconnaissance aircraft, Wg Cdr Sharma, in a cool and professional manner, ordered the hostile aircraft to be shot down, thus ensuring the sanctity of Indian air space.

Wg Cdr Vijay Suman Sharma displayed courage, immaculate professionalism and extremely accurate and superior controlling of the air defence interceptors, which culminated in a successful execution of a difficult interception at low levels.

For his act of professional excellence and gallantry in the face of hostile enemy action, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Vijay Suman Sharma.