Air Marshal SP Dharkar Appointed As Next IAF Vice Chief

Air Marshal SP Dharkar, an esteemed fighter pilot, was appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff on Wednesday. Thus, succeeding Air Marshal AP Singh, who is set to take over as the new Chief of Air Staff.

With over 3,600 hours of flying experience, Dharkar will assume his role after the new Chief takes office. Thus, bringing experience to this position.

Who Is SP Dharkar?

An alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun, SP Dharkar holds qualifications as a Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader, and Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, in addition to serving as an Air Force Examiner.

Besides Graduating from Rashtriya Indian Military College, he is a graduate from Pune’s National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Air War College in the USA.

Since his Commission in June 1985, Dharkar has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a Fighter Flying Training Establishment. He has also provided instruction at the Defence Services Staff College and the College of Air Warfare in Secunderabad.

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Further, his previous roles include Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters and Air Defence Commander at Headquarters Eastern Air Command. Notably, he was the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency and has led the Eastern Air Command for the past two years.

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(With Inputs From ANI)