Birender Singh Dhanoa

Air Marshal
Birender Singh Dhanoa
AVSM, YSM, VM
Born Gharuan, SAS Nagar [1]
Allegiance  India
Service/branch  Indian Air Force
Years of service June 1978 - present
Rank Air Marshal
Commands held
Battles/wars Kargil War
Awards Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Yudh Seva Medal
Vayu Sena Medal
Spouse(s) Kamalpreet

Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, is Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. He assumed the office on 1 June 2015. He was formerly the AOC-in-C of South Western Air Command of IAF. He actively took part in the 1999 Kargil War and was awarded Yudh Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal for his service in the war.

Early life and education

Singh was born in Gharuan village in SAS Nagar, Punjab. His father Sarayan Singh who was an IAS officer served as the Chief Secretary to the Punjab government during 1980s and later as an advisor to the Punjab state governor. His grandfather had fought in World War II as a captain of the British Indian Army. Dhanoa is an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun and was graduated from National Defence Academy. He has also attended a staff course in Defence Services Staff College, New Delhi.[1][3]

Career

Dhanoa was commissioned into the fighter stream of Indian Air Force in June 1978. He has flown various types of fighter jets and is a qualified flying instructor. While commanding a fighter squadron in 1999 Kargil conflict, he undertook several night-time strike missions and was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM) for his gallant actions in the war.[4] He held several key operational and administrative appointments in his 37 years of career including Station Commander of a fighter base and as a leader of an Indian Military Training Team abroad. He has also served as Chief Instructor for air wing at the Defence Services Staff College, New Delhi. His appointments at the air headquarters include Assistant Chief of the Air Staff for intelligence and held the position of Senior Air Staff Officer for two operational Commands.

Before assuming the office of Vice of the Air Staff at Air HQ from Air Marshal Ravi Kant Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC on 1 June 2015, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command. Air Marshal RK Dhir succeeded him as the AOC-in-C of South Western Air Command.[5]

Dhanoa was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2015 by the President of India for his distinguished service.[2][6][7]

Dhanoa is tipped to succeed Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha as the Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, when Raha retires.[2]

Awards and medals

Dhanoa has been awarded several medals: the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2015), the Yudh Seva Medal (1999), and the Vayu Sena Medal (1999)

References

  1. 1 2 "New IAF Vice-Chief does Punjab village proud". The Tribune. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa AVSM YSM VM takes over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff". PIB. GOI. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  3. ↑ "Punjab native Birender Singh Dhanoa appointed AIF Vice Chief". Punjab News Express. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  4. ↑ One India Defence Desk (2 June 2015). "Pilot who flew many night strike missions during Kargil War is IAF Vice Chief". One India. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  5. ↑ Arun (2 June 2015). "Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is IAF's new Vice Chief". Day to Day GK. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  6. ↑ "Air Marshal BS Dhanoa takes over as Vice Chief of Air Staff". India Strategic. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  7. ↑ Press Trust of India. "Birender Singh Dhanoa Appointed New IAF Vice Chief". Outlook India. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
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