Arup Raha takes over as IAF Chief

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 31
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha took over the command of the Indian Air Force today becoming its 24th Chief of the force. He replaced Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne. After assuming charge, Air Chief Marshal Raha said he expected sustained effort from the air warriors to maintain high operational readiness.

“The IAF is on a trajectory of modernisation and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full spectrum capability,” he said.

Raha, a fighter pilot who commanded the MiG-29 squadron at Bathinda Punjab during Operation Parakaram in 2002 lauded the IAF for “exceptional dedication and commitment during” flood rescue efforts in Uttarakhand in June 2013.

A record 3,702 sorties were flown, while 24,260 people were airlifted to safety during the operation.

“Our professionalism and grit has earned accolades from all quarters, not only in India but from abroad as well,” the new IAF Chief said.

Commissioned into the Flying Branch of the IAF in December 1974, Air Chief Marshal Raha graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune with the President’s Gold Medal in 1973.

In his career spanning nearly 39 years, he has commanded the vital Western Air Command, which is tasked with the responsibility of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and parts of Rajasthan.

He was also the Air Officer Commanding at the IAF base at Adampur, near Jalandhar, and Advance Headquarters, Western Air Command, at Chandimandir.