Awadhesh Kumar Bharti

Awadhesh Kumar Bharti
49th Deputy Chief of the Air Staff
Assumed office
1 June 2025
Preceded byTejinder Singh
Director General of Air Operations of the Indian Air force
In office
1 October 2024  31 May 2025
Preceded bySurat Singh
Succeeded byGeorge Thomas
Personal details
BornPurnea, Bihar
SpouseSangeeta Bharti
Alma materAir Force Academy
National Defence Academy
Tilaiya Sainik School
Awards Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Vayu Sena Medal
NicknameGalloping Horse
Military service
Allegiance India
Branch/service Indian Air Force
Years of service13 June 1987 – Present
Rank Air Marshal
UnitNo. 24 Squadron
CommandsNo. 24 Squadron
No. 30 Squadron
Advanced Eastern Air Command
Battles/warsOperation Sindoor
Service number18781

Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, AVSM, VM (also known as Air Marshal A.K. Bharti) is the current Deputy Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. He has held this position since 1 June 2025. Prior to this, Bharti was the Director General of Air Operations. He played an important role in Operation Sindoor.