Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria’s journey from a village near Agra to the helm of the Indian Air Force is a testament to dedication and excellence. This detailed biography explores his life, career, and significant contributions to the nation.
Wiki/Biography
Born in a village near Agra, RKS Bhadauria is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Pune. His academic achievements extend to a Masters in Defence Studies from the Command and Staff College in Bangladesh, showcasing a commitment to continuous learning and strategic thinking. This strong foundation propelled him to great heights within the Indian Air Force.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 6”
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Wife
Air Marshal Bhadauria is married to Asha Bhadauria, and they are blessed with two children. While details about his parents remain relatively private, he proudly identifies with the Rajput community.
Career
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force’s fighter stream on June 15, 1980, Air Marshal Bhadauria’s career is marked by a series of distinguished appointments. His leadership roles include:
- Commander of a Jaguar Squadron at a frontline base in the South-Western sector.
- Commanding Officer of the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft and System Testing Establishment.
- Chief Test Pilot and Project Director of the National Flight Test Centre, significantly contributing to the Tejas LCA project.
- Commandant of the National Defence Academy.
- Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command.
- Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (1 January 2016 to 28 February 2017).
- Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command (1 March 2017 to 1 August 2018).
- Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Training Command (1 August 2018 to September 2019).
He assumed the prestigious role of the 26th Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2019.
Awards
His exceptional service has been recognized through several prestigious awards:
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Vayu Sena Medal | January 2002 |
| Ati Vishisht Seva Medal | January 2013 |
| Param Vishisht Seva Medal | January 2018 |
Facts
- He received the Sword of Honour upon commissioning into the Indian Air Force.
- His rank is Air Marshal, and his service number is 16026.
- He’s a qualified Experimental Test Pilot, Category A Flying Instructor, and Pilot Attack Instructor.
- He boasts over 4250 hours of flying experience across 26 different fighter aircraft types.
