04 Sep 1984 - 01 Jul 1985
LM Katre was born in Madras on 26 January 1927.
LM Katre joined as an officer cadet on 03 Aug 1944. He was granted emergency Commission in the RIAF in the General Duties (Pilot) branch on 09 Apr 1945. He was granted permanent commission on 26 Apr 1947. He completed the No. 105 All-Purpose Flying Instructors Course at UK between Apr to Oct 1948.
In his career in the Indian Air Force, he commanded various operational squadrons, stations and the Air Force Academy with distinction. During 1971 war, he successfully conducted uninterrupted operations from one of our most forward airfields and one, which was regularly attacked by the PAF.
As the Commandant of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, he expanded the facilities to cater for the training of Ground duty officers. Flying activity at the base was successfully reoriented for advance training on jet aircraft and an excellent safety record was achieved during his tenure.
On completion of the Royal College of Defence Studies Course in England in 1976, he was appointed Senior Air Staff officer of a major Air Command. Under his direction, the operational effectiveness of the forces in the command increased manifold. With his wide experience of fighter flying he was able to conduct various air exercises which simulated realistic battle conditions. He was appointed as the Chief of Air Staff on 04 Sep 1984.
He died suddenly while in service, on 01 Jul 1985 at 1015 hrs.
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