Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari took charge as Chief of Air Staff on October 1, 2021. He has served in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for about 39 years and is experienced in flying a range of fighter and trainer aircraft. “ Air Marshal VR Chaudhari was commissioned into the Fighter stream of Indian Air Force on 29th December 1982 and has held various command, staff, and instructional appointments at various levels,” the defense ministry said. The officer has led key fighter bases during his career, including the one located in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also flown missions during the Kargil War in 1999. The Air Chief Marshal has commanded a f rontline fighter squadron and two important fighter bases. Some of his notable assignments include Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Air Defense), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel Officers), and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, where he spearheaded several major procurement cases of the IAF. He later was Air Officer Commanding-in- Chief of Western Air Command and Vice Chief of the Air Staff before taking over as Chief of the Air Staff.