Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Thursday took over as the new IAF chief here after incumbent R K S Bhadauria retired.
An alumnus of NDA, the new chief was commissioned in 1982 in the fighter stream of the IAF. He has flown more than 3, 800 hours on multiple fighter and trainer aircraft.
Flying for the country runs in his family as his son is also a Rafale fighter jet pilot.
In his address, Chaudhari said he was honoured and privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Air Force. He expressed absolute faith and confidence in the ability of his force to accomplish all assigned tasks with resolute dedication while maintaining the IAF’s operational capability at an all-time high.
Outlining the focus areas for Commanders and personnel, Chaudhuri said, “Protection of our Nation’s sovereignty and integrity is to be ensured at any cost”.
He said enhancement of operational capability through integration of newly inducted platforms, weapons and equipment with existing assets and dovetailing the same in concepts of operations would remain a priority area.
He spoke on aspects of acquisition of new technology, promotion of indigenisation and innovation, strengthening of cyber security, rapid adaptation of training methods to meet future demands and sustained work to nurture human resources.
During his career spanning almost four decades, the new chief has tenanted many significant command and staff appointments. He has commanded a MiG-29 Squadron, two Air Force Stations and Western Air Command. His staff appointments include Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Air Defence), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers), Deputy Commandant of Air Force Academy and Air Assistant to Chief of the Air Staff.
A Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, he has served as an instructor at Flying Training Establishments and has also been an Air Force Examiner. He was a pioneer member of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Display Team.