Air Marshal SP Dharkar, a distinguished fighter pilot, has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff. He will succeed Air Marshal AP Singh, who is set to become the Chief of Air Staff. Dharkar will assume his new role once the Chief takes over.

With more than 3,600 flying hours, Air Marshal Dharkar brings extensive experience to the position.

He is an alumnus of 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.

Commissioned in June 1985, he has earned credentials as a Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, and Air Force Examiner.