Air Marshal SP Dharkar, a distinguished fighter pilot with over 3,600 flying hours, has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Marshal AP Singh, who will become the Chief of Air Staff. Dharkar will assume his new role once Singh takes over.
An alumnus of prestigious military institutions—including the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun, the National Defence Academy in Pune, the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Air War College in the United States—Dharkar brings a wealth of experience to the position. Commissioned in June 1985, he holds multiple credentials as a Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader, and Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner.
Throughout his career, Dharkar has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a Fighter Flying Training Establishment. His contributions to Professional Military Education include teaching at the Defence Services Staff College and the College of Air Warfare in Secunderabad.
In addition to his operational leadership, Dharkar has served in key roles such as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters and Air Defence Commander at the Eastern Air Command. Notably, he was the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency. For the past two years, he has successfully led the Eastern Air Command.
