Air Marshal A K Bharti, face of Operation Sindoor briefings, retires from IAF

New Delhi: Air Marshal A K Bharti, who served as the Director General Air Operations (DGAO) during Operation Sindoor, on Friday superannuated after an illustrious career in the IAF.

As he retired as Deputy Chief of Air Staff, the air officer visited the National War Memorial (NWM) here to pay homage to the fallen heroes.

"Expressing his sincere affiliation and respect for #Bravehearts, who have laid down their lives in the service of the #Nation, Air Mshl AK Bharti, SYSM, AVSM, VM, DCAS, paid homage at #NationalWarMemorial in a wreath laying ceremony, on his superannuation," the NWM posted on X and also share some photos.


Air Marshal Bharti, along with Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, then Director General Military Operations (DGMO), and Navy's Vice Admiral A N Pramod, were the faces of the tri-service media briefings on Operation Sindoor in Delhi in May 2025.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, carrying out airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating at least 100 terrorists.

The hostilities ended with an understanding on halting the military actions on May 10 following talks over the hotline between army officials of the two sides.

After the decisive military operation, Air Marshal Bharti was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff.

"On being appointed as Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal AK Bharti, AVSM, VM, paid homage to #fallen soldiers at #NationalWarMemorial. Saluting before the #Iconic #AmarJawanJyoti, the DCAS expressed his heartfelt gratitude to #Bravehearts for their gallant service," the NWM posted on June 1 last year.

On Friday, the NWM also posted, "On superannuation, VAdm Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, laid a wreath at #NationalWarMemorial - saluting the immortal courage of our fallen heroes whose supreme sacrifice lights the flame of duty, honour & pride in every beating heart of the #Nation."