Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha outgoing Chief of the Air Staff paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi on December 31, 2016.
Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa takes over as the Chief of Air Staff, in New Delhi on December 31, 2016.
Ministry of Defence
31-December, 2016 16:47 IST
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa takes over as the 25th Chief of the Air Staff
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).
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.
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New Air Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa takes guard of honour at air headquaters in New Delhi.
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Ministry of Defence
31-December, 2016 14:03 IST
Air Marshal SB Deo Hands Over Command Of WAC
Air Marshal Deo was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour and a traditional send off at HQ WAC prior to his departure. In his farewell address to all personnel of HQ WAC on 30 December 2016, the Air Marshal complimented personnel of all branches of WAC for their exceptional performance. He stated that “the prevailing security situation poses a big challenge today. We must preserve our precious assets and prevent loss of life at all costs. At the same time, it should not take away focus from our Operational Preparedness, which is the essence of our existence”. He cautioned against complacency, stating that, “…..be prepared to meet any external threat and always keep your powder dry”. He cautioned the personnel against malicious misinformation campaign on the social media. He highlighted the efforts of the outgoing CAS & COSC in vigorously pursuing issues of OROP and Pay Commission with the Govt. He lauded the efforts by the IFA at WAC and its team towards ensuring both, better operational preparedness as well as improvement in quality of life. He highlighted how the civilian staff at HQ WAC has set a new benchmark in matching their work ethics with uniformed personnel. He appreciated the hard work put in by the Non Combatant Enrolls (NC(e)s), highlighting importance of their task in achieving the overall organisational goals. The AOC-in-C lauded the brave and fearless personnel of DSC. “….being first line of defense, they gave an exemplary account of Bravery Courage & Sacrifice during anti-terrorist operations at AF Stn Pathankot”. He concluded by Wishing, Happy New Year to all personnel and their families.
Air Marshal C Harikumar AVSM VM VSM will take over as the AOC-in-C, WAC on 01 Jan 2017.
The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal S.B. Deo inspecting the guard of honour on his departure from HQ Western Air Command, in New Delhi on December 31, 2016.
The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal S.B. Deo addressing the personnel of Western Air Command prior on his departure from HQ Western Air Command, in New Delhi on December 31, 2016.
