Marshal Ajay Shukla
Indian Air Force veteran, Test Pilot and Flying Instructor, MBA (Aviation Management), PhD Research Scholar, MPhil (Defence & Strat Studies), Specialist in management of Operations, Information & Communication Tech,
- Role
- Consulting Editor at India Strategic
- Location
- Gurugram, IN
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Marshal Ajay Shukla
An Air Vice Marshal in the IAF, I retired recently in March 2024 after 36 years of service. I’m an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor, holding an MBA in Aviation Management & MPhil. Last appointment was ACIDS (ICT)- Asst Chief of IDS (Info, Comn & Tech), under the CDS, MoD. My core competencies are in leadership role in operations and management, evaluation, budgeting and procurements, infusion of niche technologies and HRM. Commanded a Flying Sqn, IAF’s Anti Naxal Task Force and a major Air Base with more than 1200 personnel and equipment exceeding INR Cr. Spearheaded large-scale aircraft and drone ops. Part of UN Mission in DR Congo (MONUC) in 20••••••00 accident-free hours flown on 30 aircraft. Test evaluated and managed major capital acquisition projects. Spearheaded induction of Heavy Lift, Attack, Light Utility and Medium Lift Helicopters, and induction of NVG in IAF. Set up first Mi-17V5 Simulator. In-depth understanding of MRO, aircraft maintenance and tech upgrade issues. Deep insight into functioning of DRDO (posted as IAF’s ‘Air Advisor’ to DRDO HQ :2017-19). Well versed with Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), GoI’s indigenization and innovation ecosystems. Functioned as Convener/ Chairman of Defence IT Consultative and IT Sub Committees, Joint EM Board, ‘Defence AI Projects Agency’ and MoD Task Force on NCW etc. Steered development of indigenous SDR stack, setting up of the first Armed Forces AI Cloud Infra and Data Governance Framework. Drafted Tri-Services Policies in Geo-Spatial, Spectrum Management, Joint EEP and Joint EW domains. Represented India at the World Radio Conference 2023 by ITU at Dubai, as MoD’s Chief Spectrum Manager. Experienced in conduct of large HADR campaigns and cvas evac missions. Experienced in management of media. Speaker/ panellist in Think Tank events. Specialist in geo-strategic studies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. In- Service Qualifications - Test PIot & Test Flying Instructor, QFI with total 4500 hrs (including 1700 hrs instructional). Graduate -Staff Course & Higher Command Course. Educational Qualifications - MBA (Aviation Management), MPhil (Higher Def Management), MSc, PG Dip (Journalism & Mass Com), Adv Dip Russian. Independent Company Dir’s Course (IIM Mumbai), Lean 6 Sigma (MDI Gurgaon), Grad Certificate in Public Policy, Adv Proj Management, Media Comn and Accident Investigation Courses. Awards -Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), Commendation for Gallantry by UN, CAS Commendation, and three DG CRPF Commendations for Anti- Naxal Ops.
Experience
Consulting Editor
Jan 2025 — Present · Gurugram, IN
Advising on defence and strategic content for print and online editions of the journal
Education
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
BSc
1983 — 1986
University of Indore
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
2010 — 2011
IIM Mumbai
Independent Directors Programme
2023
The Takshashila Institution
Graduate Certificate
IAF Test Pilots School
Experimental Test Pilot Course (RW)
1997 — 1998
Flying Instructor School
Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI)
1994 — 1994
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
PG Diploma
2012 — 2013
Management Development Institute, Gurgaon
MDP
2023
Madras University
MSc
2003 — 2004
UPES
Master of Business Administration - MBA
2020 — 2022
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