New Delhi, September 19: Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria will be the new chief of staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), said the government on Thursday. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO), in consultation with the Defence Ministry, finalised the name of Bhadauria as the next IAF chief. Air Marshal Singh, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, was commissioned in the fighter stream of IAF on 15 Jun 1980. Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria Appointed New IAF Chief, to Takeover From BS Dhanoa on September 30.

The Air Marshal has held a number of important appointments, which include, Command of a Jaguar Squadron and a premier Air Force Station, Commanding Officer of Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft & System Testing Establishment, Chief Test Pilot and Project Director of National Flight Test Centre on Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project.

Who is Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria?

Air Marshal Singh, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, was commissioned in the fighter stream of IAF on 15 Jun 1980.  He has over 4250 hours of experience on twenty six types of fighters and transport aircraft with the unique distinction of being an Experimental Test Pilot, a Cat ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and a Pilot Attack Instructor. He completed his Masters in Defence Studies from Command and Staff College, Bangladesh.

The Air Marshal has held a number of important positions in the IAF which included commanding a Jaguar squadron and heading a premier Air Force station.

He was extensively involved in the initial prototype flight tests on the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

Air Marshal Bhadauria was also the Air Attache at Indian embassy, Moscow. Prior to assuming charge as Vice Chief of IAF, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command.

During his career, he was commended by the Chief of Air Staff and has been awarded Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal. He is married to Mrs Asha Bhadauria and they are blessed with a daughter and a son.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2019 12:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).