Awarded to all members of the Indian Air Force "in recognition of such individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage as have special significance for the Air Force." Posthumous awards may be made and a bar is authorized for subsequent awards of the Vayu Sena Medal.

In effect, the Vayu Sena Medal serves as a sort of general commendation medal for the Indian Air Force. In some cases, it is also awarded for gallantry. From 1 February 1999, the central government set a monthly stipend of Rs. 250 for recipients of the award when it is awarded for bravery.

Established: 17 June 1960, by the President of India.

Obverse: A four-armed silver star with the points shaped like lotus blooms. In the center, the national emblem. Suspended by a straight bar suspender and normally named and dated on the edge.

Reverse: A Himalayan Eagle with wings spread, and the legend, above and below, in Hindi "Vayu Sena Medal" or "Air Force / Medal".

Ribbon: 30 mm, alternating 2 mm diagonal (lower left to upper right) stripes of gray and orange-saffron. The ribbon has an overall "woven" appearance.