NEW DELHI: AIR Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik will be the new Chief of the Indian Air Force, the Government announced on Friday.
Naik, who currently is the Vice-Chief of Air Staff, will take over as the new IAF boss on May 31 when the present chief Fali Homi Major retires. As per the practice, the Government makes the appointment for the top post two months before it falls vacant.
Unlike Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, who was the first helicopter pilot to lead the force, P V Naik joined the IAF in 1969 as a combat pilot. He has logged 3085 flying hours during his long career.
Air Marshal Naik held several key positions before he moved to Air Headquarter as Vice-Chief. He has taken part in the 1971 War. Before becoming Vice- Chief, Naik led the Allahabad-based Central Air Command.
He has been a fellow of the National Defence College in New Delhi and College of Defence Management in Secundrabad.
He has also been at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Naik has attended several courses including instructor course, jungle snow and survival and junior commander’s course.
Naik assumes charge when the IAF is in a transition phase. Most of the old equipment and aircraft are on their way out and modernisation is under way.
His immediate concern would be to keep the desired level of squadron strength which has been sliding over the last several years. At present, the IAF has little over 30 squadrons against the sanctioned strength of 38.
The new IAF chief would have to spearhead the modernisation drive and strengthen the future plans like expanding the Aerospace Command.
Soon after he becomes chief, the IAF would be inducting new Phalcon Airborne Early Warning command and Control System (AWACS) from Israel.
The new platform is considered to be a force multiplier. The IAF is eagerly awaiting the system which has already been delayed considerably.
During Naik’s tenure, the IAF would also look to finalise the contract for 126 multi-role combat jets. The IAF is likely to begin flight trials for the multi-billion dollar deal in which major global players are participating.