NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria on Monday took charge as the 26th chief of the Indian Air Force.
He succeeds Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, who retired after 41 years of service in the IAF.
Bhadauria, who was serving as the Vice Chief of Air Staff, was earlier heading IAF’s Bengaluru-based Training Command. As the Deputy Chief, he was the chairman of the Indian negotiating team for the 36 Rafale combat aircraft deal with France.
Bhadauria is one of the few Air Force pilots to fly a Rafale. In July, during Exercise Garuda between the Air Forces of India and France, Bhadauria had flown the Rafale aircraft.
Speaking to reporters after taking over as the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said, “We were prepared then, we will be prepared next time. We will be ready to face any challenge, any threat.”
Asked about the recent reports of Pakistan reactivating the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps that were destroyed in the Balakot airstrikes in February, IAF chief said, “We are aware of the reports and we will take necessary action as and when required.”
During his 39-year-long career, RKS Bhadauria has been awarded several medals including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, the Vayu Sena Medal, and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. He was appointed honorary Aide De Campe to the President of India in January this year.
Bhadauria was among the first Indian Air Force officers to fly the Rafale fighter jet and sources said he played an instrumental role in finalising the Rafale deal with France.
