Air Marshal SP Dharkar Appointed as Vice Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal SP Dharkar, a seasoned pilot with extensive flying hours, has taken the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He was previously the head of the Eastern Air Command and has held various leadership positions. Dharkar succeeds Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.

Air Marshal SP Dharkar, a distinguished fighter pilot with 3,600 hours of flying experience, assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff on Thursday.

He replaces Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who took over as Chief of Air Staff on September 30. Dharkar has piloted various fighter jets and trainer aircraft and led a MiG-27 squadron.

His illustrious career includes serving as the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency, where he oversaw space exploitation operations for the Indian defence forces. Before this appointment, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command.

(With inputs from agencies.)