Ace Pilot SP Dharkar Appointed as Next Vice Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal SP Dharkar has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Marshal AP Singh. With over 3600 flying hours, Dharkar brings extensive experience and distinguished service to his new role, having commanded various key positions in his illustrious career.

Renowned ace fighter pilot, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, has been named the next Vice Chief of Air Staff, succeeding incumbent Air Marshal AP Singh, who will assume the role of Chief of Air Staff.

Dharkar, an experienced aviator with more than 3600 hours of flying time, will take over after the current Chief steps down. He is a distinguished alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College Dehradun, National Defence Academy Pune, Defence Services Staff College Wellington, and the Air War College in the USA. Commissioned in June 1985, Dharkar is a qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader, and Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner. He has also served as an Air Force Examiner.

Throughout his remarkable career, Dharkar has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a Fighter Flying Training Establishment. His instructional expertise is well-regarded, having taught Professional Military Education to medium and senior officers at the Defence Services Staff College and the College of Air Warfare in Secunderabad.

Additionally, Dharkar has held pivotal roles such as 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. For the past two years, he has led the Eastern Air Command.

(With inputs from agencies.)