Air Marshal SP Dharkar assumed charge as Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) today, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who became the Chief of Air Staff on 30th September. Prior to taking over as VCAS, he has been heading the Eastern Air Command. He also served as the first Director General (DG) of Defence Space Agency (DSA).
Air Marshal Dharkar, an ace fighter pilot, has accumulated over 3,600 flying hours of experience. He is an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College Dehradun, National Defence Academy Pune, Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Air War College in the US.
Commissioned in June 1985, Air Marshal Dharkar is a qualified flying instructor, fighter strike leader, instrument rating instructor and examiner, and an air force examiner. During his illustrious career, Air Marshal Dharkar commanded a front-line fighter squadron and a Fighter Flying Training Establishment.
He has instructional experience of conducting professional military education for medium and senior level officers at the Defence Services Staff College and at the College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad. The seasoned fighter pilot has served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters.
Team BharatShakti
