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Awadhesh Kumar Bharti
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM, AVSM,VM (also known as Air Marshal A.K. Bharti) is the current Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.[1][2] of the Indian Air Force. He has held this position since 1 June 2025.[1] Prior to this, Bharti was the Director General of Air Operations.[3] He played an important role in Operation Sindoor.[4][5]
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Early life and education
A.K. Bharti was born in Purnia district of Bihar.[6][7] His father is Jiwachh Lal Yadav, a retired govt personnel of Kosi Project and his mother is Urmila Devi.[8][9] [10] Bharti received his school education from Sainik School, Tilaiya. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune , Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and National Defence College.[11] During his NDA days, Air Marshal Bharti was nicknamed ‘galloping horse’, as his cross country record there remained unbroken for many years.[12]
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Military career
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Bharti was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 13 June 1987. At the National Defence Academy in 1986, he was awarded the prestigious President’s Silver Medal. In 1987 At Air Force Academy he was commissioned as a fighter pilot and was awarded the prestigious SWORD OF HONOUR for standing first in his course. He has flown different types of aircrafts like MIG-21, MIG-29 , SU-30MKI, SU-30MKM. He has led and also been a part of many IAF air exercises like COPE India Ex-2004, Ex-Garud, Ex-Indradanush on foreign soils.[13] He has been the Flight Commander of No. 24 Squadron and Commanding Officer of No. 30 Squadron.[1] Bharti has been awarded three stars for accident-free flying (outstanding performance). He has received commendation from the Chief of Air Staff. He served as an Air Attache with Royal Malaysian Air Force and trained the Malaysian Fighter Pilots on SU-30 MKM. He commanded the Sukhoi Air Base at Air Force Station, Pune. He also served in Tri Services Strategic Forces Command of India as Chief Staff Officer (Air) and later as Assistant Chief of Staff, Offensive Operations at Air Force Headquarters. He was elevated as the Senior Air Staff Officer of the Central Air Command. He contributed to the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, 2025 and also conducted the Air Show of Sukhoi SU30 MKIs over the Sangam.
As the Director General of Air Operations, Bharti played a key role in India's Operation Sindoor that resulted in the destruction of multiple terror camps, PAF airbases and air assets by the Indian Air Force. He was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his service and was later appointed as the Vice Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. He is also known for his famous line Bhay binu hoi na priti (peace comes through fear), given at a press conference after the ceasefire agreement.
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Honours and decorations
Bharti was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 2008 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 for his service.[16] He was awarded Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025 for his role in IAF’s operations and India’s victory in Operation Sindoor. [5]
See also
References
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