Air Marshal Rakesh K S Bhadauria appointed as new Vice Chief of Air Staff

On May 1, Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria will take over as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force, after superannuation of incumbent Air Marshal Anil Khosla. Post induction he will be looking after all air operations being carried out by force.

Service and Tenure

RKS Bhadauria was commissioned into India Air Force fighter stream on 15 June 1980 with the Sword of Honour. He has held important designations like Commandant of National Defence Academy, Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command and Deputy Chief of Air Staff from January 2016 to February 28, 2017. As Deputy Chief, he was chairman of Indian negotiating team for 36 Rafale combat aircraft deal with France. From March 2017 till august 2018, he served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Southern Air Command. He currently heads IAF’s Bengaluru-based Training Command.

Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS)

The VCAS is second-highest ranking Officer in Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a three-star appointment and is held by an Air Officer of the rank of Air Marshal. He serves as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi. His responsibilities include operations and flying related tasks. The VCAS assumes duties and responsibilities of Chief of Air Staff (CAS) in event of his absence or is unable to perform his duties.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2019