Air Marshal SP Dharkar has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who will become the Chief of Air Staff on 30 September 2024.
A distinguished fighter pilot with over 3,600 flying hours, Dharkar has extensive experience and impressive credentials. He is an alumnus of several prestigious military institutions and was commissioned in June 1985.
Dharkar has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a Fighter Flying Training Establishment, and held important roles in military education. He has also served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training), Air Defence Commander at the Eastern Air Command, and was the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency. For the last two years, he has led the Eastern Air Command.
