Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria is the current Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. Hailing from Korath, Agra, his father was also an Indian Air Force personnel. Before Rakesh was appointed as the chief, it was BS Dhanoa who held the post.
Personal Background
| Hometown | Korath, Agra |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma Mater | National Defence Academy, Pune, Command and Staff College |
Career
In 1980, he was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force. Throughout his career, he has held many designations before finally being appointed as the 26th Chief of the Indian Air Force.
| Areas served | Designation |
| Frontline base in South-Western Sector | Commander |
| Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft and System Testing Establishment | Commanding Officer |
| National Flight Test Centre | Chief Test Pilot and Project Director |
| National Defence Academy | Commandant |
| Central Air Command | Deputy Chief |
| Southern Air Command | Air Officer Commanding in Chief |
| Training Command | Air Officer Commanding in Chief |
Awards and Honours
- Vayu Sena Medal (January 2002)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (January 2013)
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (January 2018)
- Appointed as the honorary air force ADC to the president of India on 1 January, 2019
