Vice Chief of Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria will be the next Chief of Air Staff (CAS). An announcement of his appointment was made by the government on Thursday. Vice Chief of IAF Bhadauria will take over the charge from Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa who is set to retire on September 30. He will have a two year tenure.
Vice Chief of IAF Bhadauria has played an important role in the negotiations for the 36 Rafale jet deal with France.
Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria’s background
He was commissioned into the fighter stream of IAF in June 1980. In a career of 39 years, he has handled various Command, Staff and Instructional appointments at various levels including the present one as Vice Chief of Air Staff.
In addition, he has over 4250 hours of experience on twenty six types of fighters and transport aircraft with the unique distinction of being an Experimental Test Pilot, a Cat ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and a Pilot Attack Instructor. He has also served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command.
