The Defence Ministry has announced, Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari as the next Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria who retires from service in the end of September. Currently posted as the Vice Chief of Air Staff, the officer was commissioned into the fighter stream and has commanded a MiG 29 squadron and has experience of various types of aircraft including the SU 30MKI.
Chaudhari will take charge as the next Chief of Air Staff after the retirement of Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on 30 September. Air Marshal V R Chaudhari was commissioned into the Fighter stream of Indian Air Force on 29th December 1982 and has held various Command, Staff and Instructional Appointments at various levels including the present one as Vice Chief of Air Staff, the government said in a statement. During his service, he has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal. Air Marshal Chaudhari has a flying experience of more than 3,800 hours and has been an expert in MiG-29 aircraft. He has also served as chief of the Western Air Command.
