Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari takes over as new IAF chief
The new IAF chief was commissioned in the fighter stream in 1982 and held various position in the force.
FollowNew Delhi: Senior Indian Air Force officer Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has taken over the IAF’s chief charge on Thursday.
After serving for 42 years in the IAF, ACM RKS Bhadauria retired on Thursday. Under his leadership, French-made Rafale aircraft have been inducted and also signed a mega deal with state-owned plane maker HAL for procurement of 83 LCA Tejas jets.
The new IAF chief was commissioned in the fighter stream in 1982 and held various position in the force.
During India-China border standoff, he was also responsible for the Ladakh region.
During his tenure, the IAF will witness the induction of S-400 Missile systems which are being acquired from Russia.
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ACM Chaudhari has also been decorated with military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command prior to his present appointment.
On the day of superannuation, ACM Bhadauria visited the National War Memorial to pay his tribute to the fallen soldiers, who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
On September 13, he flew his last sortie in a fighter aircraft as the chief of air staff.
“His flying career in IAF began with No. 23 Squadron, 'Panthers', flying the MiG-21 at Halwara, and so it ended, in the same aircraft of the same Squadron at the same Station,” an official said.
