Air Marshal Ravinder Kumar Dhir took over as Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at HQ Southern Air Command, Akkulam, on Tuesday.
Dhir was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the flying branch on June 15, 1979.
He has served as Principal Director Air Staff Requirements at Air HQ and is credited with the acquisition of large number of aircraft and weapon systems for Indian Air Force (significant ones include Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), C-130J, 80MLH, C-17, Basic Trainer Aircraft, Low Level Quick Reaction Missile (LLQRM), Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) and the Akash Missile System).
In a career spanning 34 years, he has flown 3200 hours on more than 25 aircraft and is a recipient of the Vayu Sena Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
He was Commanding Officer of the first Bison Squadron ‘Cobras’ at Ambala.
He also commanded the Air Force Test pilot School and an operational airbase in Western Air Command. Dhir was SASO, South West Air Command prior to his present appointment.
He is married to Neelam Dhir and they have a son and a daughter.