New Delhi: Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, took charge as the 26th chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Monday.
He paid tribute at the National War Memorial after taking charge as the IAF Chief, today.
On being asked if IAF is better prepared to carry out another Balakot like strike in future, Bhadauria said that India was prepared then and will be prepared next time. “We will be ready to face any challenge, any threat,” he added.
Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria succeeds Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, who retired after 41 years of service in the IAF. Air Marshal Bhadauria was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 1980 and has held various command, staff and instructional positions.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Bhadauria was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in June 1980. He won the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ for standing first in the overall order of merit. During his nearly four-decade career, Bhadauria commanded a Jaguar squadron and a premier Air Force Station.