In a moment of reverent farewell, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force, hung up his flying boots on April 30, 2025, marking the end of a distinguished 40-year career in service to the nation.
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 14, 1985, Air Marshal Dharkar soared through the skies, accumulating over 3,600 hours of flying experience across various IAF platforms. A combat aviator with razor-sharp precision, he also held the coveted titles of Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader, and Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner.
An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College (India), and the Army War College (USA), Air Marshal Dharkar carved a path of excellence across operational, strategic, and leadership domains of India’s aerial defence.
Throughout his illustrious career, he held key appointments that shaped the future of the IAF. He served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer of the South Western Air Command, Air Defence Commander at HQ EAC, and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters. Notably, he became the first-ever Director General of the Defence Space Agency — a testimony to his vision and pioneering leadership in India’s expanding aerospace frontiers.
His impeccable service record earned him some of the nation’s highest military honours the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023, and most recently, the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025, reflecting his outstanding contributions in both peacetime excellence and operational readiness.
As Air Marshal SP Dharkar retires, he leaves behind a legacy of valor, integrity, and unwavering commitment to India’s air power. His four decade-long journey continues to inspire generations of air warriors to reach for the skies and beyond.
A Legacy of Sacrifice and Honor
In his final words recorded in the NWM visitors' book before retiring, Air Marshal Dharkar poignantly expressed: “As I stand here at the end of my career in uniform, I pay homage to our braves, in honoured memory of those who gave their everything so that we may live in peace and freedom. Your sacrifices will not go in vain, your memories will remain in our hearts forever, and you will continue to inspire and guide all of us who have chosen the profession of arms, to greater heights through times to come.”
His message stands as a testament to the values of duty, courage, and sacrifice that have defined not only his career but also the very spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.(PR)