Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa takes over as 25th Chief of Air staff
Source: The Sangai Express
December 31 2016:
Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC took over as the 25th Chief of the Air Staff at a ceremony held at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) today.
In his address to the IAF, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said, "I feel honoured and privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead one of the finest Air Forces in the world.
I will certainly be inspired by the exceptional achievements and the leadership of so many of my predecessors.
"IAF is on a trajectory of modernisation and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full-spectrum capability.
Accretion through new acquisitions, replacement of obsolete equipment with state-of-the-art inductions and upgrade of the vintage weapon platforms would bolster our capabilities.
Forthcoming inductions of the Rafale aircraft, Attack Heptrs, Heavy Lift Heptrs, Force Enhancers, SAGW and Air Defence Radars hold great promise for the future.
Also, it has been a matter of great pride, to usher in the first 'Tejas' squadron of the IAF.
Simultaneously, our Airfield Infrastructure Modernisation programme and upgradations in Communications Network have strengthened the support structure for effective operations.
While undertaking its modernisation, the IAF has taken an active and sustained role in the 'Make in India' plan, to take forward indigenous production of combat aircraft, helicopters, weapon sensors and systems, besides other aviation equipment.
A vibrant and flourishing domestic capability would be an essential ingredient for the Nation to continue its glorious evolution" .
In his address, he expressed his pride at the way India's image has been showcased worldwide through the IAF's strategic reach.
He commended IAF's role as first responders in HADR situations and aid to civil authority in rendering stability to volatile situations on many occasions, besides bringing succour to people in distress.
He stressed the requirement of training and equipping IAF to deter threats.
He reiterated the need for focused approach to enhance aerospace safety and IAF's commitment for better standard of living for its airwarriors.
He thanked the outgoing CAS for steering IAF on a growth trajectory and urged all airwarriors to follow the fine traditions of IAF.
Commissioned into the Flying Branch of IAF as a fighter pilot in Jun 1978, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is a Qualified Cat; Flying Instructor and has more than 3000 hours of fighter flying under his belt with an immaculate flight safety record all along his distinguished career as a field commander.
He is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College, the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
The Air Chief has many laurels to his credit.
As Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron, equipped with MiG-21 aircraft, he led the IAF punch during the 'limited war' against Pakistan in 1999 to evict the enemy from their 'dug in' defences in the icy heights of Kargil region.
For his outstanding bravery and leadership during the conflict, he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) .
The Air Chief Marshal has held a number of significant staff appointments at operational Commands, Joint Training Establishments and Air Headquarters.
He has been the Director of Targeting Cell and Director of Fighter Operations, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern and Western Air Commands.
The Air Chief has commanded the South Western Air Command.
For his experience and professional excellence, he was handpicked to establish an 'IAF Training Team' abroad.
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