‎Five things you need to know about new IAF chief Dhanoa

A Kargil war veteran, he was part of India’s air campaign. Dhanoa was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal.

Updated on: Dec 17, 2016, 22:23:50 IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By Rahul Singh

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The government said on Saturday that Air Marshal BS Dhanoa will take over as the new chief of air staff. Dhanoa’s appointment is on expected lines, as he will be the senior-most air marshal when Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha retires on December 31. Here are five things to know about him.

Air Marshal BS Dhanoa is the new IAF chief. (PTI Photo)

■ Air Marshal BS Dhanoa joined the IAF as a fighter pilot in June 1978.

■ His father, SS Dhanoa, was the chief secretary of Punjab.

■ A Kargil war veteran, he was part of India’s air campaign. Dhanoa was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal.

■ He is currently the IAF’S vice chief. Before that, he headed the South-Western Air Command.

■ He will be the third Sikh to head the IAF after distinguished military leaders Arjan Singh and Dilbag Singh.

Read | Lt Gen Bipin Rawat appointed army chief, Air Marshal BS Dhanoa is new air force chief

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