New Delhi,Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM
ADC took over as the 25th Chief of the Air Staff at a ceremony held at Air Headquarters (Vayu
Bhawan) today.In his address to the IAF, Air Chief Marshal
Dhanoa said “I feel honoured and
privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead one of the finest Air Forces in the world. I will
certainly be inspired by the exceptional achievements and the leadership of so many of my illustrious
predecessors.
IAF is on a trajectory of modernisation and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full-spectrum capability. Accretion through new acquisitions, replacement of obsolete equipment with state-of-the-art inductions and upgrade of the vintage weapon platforms would bolster our capabilities. Forthcoming inductions of the Rafale aircraft, Attack Heptrs, Heavy Lift Heptrs, Force Enhancers, SAGW and Air Defence Radars hold great promise for the future. Also, it has been a matter of great national pride, to usher in the first ‘Tejas’ squadron of the IAF. Simultaneously,
our Airfield Infrastructure Modernisation programme and upgradations in Communications Network have strengthened the support structure for effective operations. While undertaking its modernisation, the IAF has taken an active and sustained role in the "Make in India" plan, to take forward indigenous production of combat aircraft, helicopters, weapon sensors and systems, besides other aviation equipment. A vibrant and flourishing domestic capability would be an essential ingredient for the Nation to continue its glorious evolution.”
In his address, he also expressed his pride at the way India's image worldwide has been showcased through the IAF's strategic reach. He commended IAF’s role
as first responders in HADR situations and aid to civil authority in rendering stability to volatile situations
on many occasions, besides bringing succour to people in distress.
He stressed the requirement of training and equipping IAF
to deter the subconvetional threats. He reiterated need for focused approach to
enhance aerospace safety and IAF’s commitment for better standard of living for
its airwarriors. He thanked the outgoing CAS for steering IAF on a growth
trajectory and urged all airwarriors to follow the fine traditions of IAF.
Commissioned into the Flying Branch of IAF as a fighter
pilot in Jun 1978, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is a Qualified Cat ‘A' Flying
Instructor and has more than 3000 hours of fighter
flying under his belt with an immaculate flight safety record all along his distinguished career as a
field commander. He is an alumnus of
Rashtriya Indian Military College, the
National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
The Air Chief has many laurels to his credit. As
Commanding Officer of a frontline
ground attack fighter squadron, equipped with MiG-21 aircraft, he led the IAF punch during the ‘limited war’ against Pakistan in 1999
to evict the enemy from their ‘dug in’
defences in the icy heights of Kargil region. For his outstanding bravery and leadership during the conflict, he was awarded
Yudh Seva Medal (YSM).
Yudh Seva Medal (YSM).
The Air Chief Marshal has held a number of significant
staff appointments at operational
Commands, Joint Training Establishments and Air Headquarters. He has been Director Targeting Cell and Director Fighter
Operations, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff Officer of
Eastern and Western Air Commands. The Air Chief has
commanded the South Western Air
Command. For his experience and professional excellence, he was handpicked to establish an 'IAF Training Team' abroad.
The Air Chief Marshal is also instrumental in developing
the aerial targeting philosophy
against the potential adversaries and transformed the concept of Air operations of the Indian Air Force to contemporary
war fighting practices of Air Power.
He is an avid reader and writer of issues pertaining to air power and joint operations.Before taking over as the Chief of the Air Staff, he has been the
Vice Chief of the Air Staff since 01 Jun 15.In recognition of his meritorious services, he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) and Vayusena Medal (VM) in 1999 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2015 by the President of India. He was also appointed as Honorary ADC on 01 Aug 15 and awarded
Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2016 by the President of India. He is married to Mrs Kamalpreet and they have one son Jasman who is a law graduate.
Vice Chief of the Air Staff since 01 Jun 15.In recognition of his meritorious services, he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) and Vayusena Medal (VM) in 1999 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2015 by the President of India. He was also appointed as Honorary ADC on 01 Aug 15 and awarded
Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2016 by the President of India. He is married to Mrs Kamalpreet and they have one son Jasman who is a law graduate.
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