The Indian Air Force (IAF) held a grand farewell for Air Marshal SP Dharkar, who concluded an extraordinary 40-year military career on April 30, 2025. His tenure was characterized by operational excellence, strategic foresight, and significant contributions to the enhancement of India’s air and space defense capabilities.
Air Marshal Dharkar, who had served as the Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) since September 30, 2024, was celebrated as a decorated fighter pilot and military strategist. He received several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), in recognition of his exemplary service to the nation.
A solemn retirement ceremony took place at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where Dharkar paid homage to the courage of India’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. The event featured a ceremonial guard of honor, attended by senior officers, personnel, and dignitaries who gathered to pay their respects and celebrate Dharkar’s legacy.
During his tenure, Air Marshal Dharkar played a pivotal role in modernizing the IAF and enhancing India’s readiness for space warfare. As the inaugural Director General of the Defence Space Agency (DSA), established in 2019, he spearheaded key initiatives such as IndSpaceEx, a groundbreaking exercise that simulated potential threats to India’s space-based infrastructure. Under his leadership, the DSA also laid the foundation for deploying 52 surveillance and communication satellites, significantly bolstering India’s national security.
With over 3,600 hours of flying experience, Dharkar held several prominent positions, including Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, where he oversaw air operations along India’s strategically sensitive eastern frontiers. His academic credentials — which include training at the Rashtriya Indian Military College, National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and the U.S. Air War College — supplemented his command capabilities and strategic vision.
Air Marshal Dharkar’s retirement comes at a crucial juncture for India, as the nation confronts evolving geopolitical dynamics and space-based security challenges. His strategic insight and dedication to integrating space technology into military frameworks have undeniably left an enduring imprint on India’s defense landscape.
The legacy of Air Marshal Dharkar will continue to influence the IAF’s trajectory as it navigates the complexities of modern warfare, ensuring that his contributions resonate for years to come.
