Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief

NEW DELHI: Air Marshal Arup Raha, an ace fighter pilot, on Tuesday took over as the Air Force chief succeeding Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne.

Raha takes over the command at a time when it is engaged in a tussle with its supplier HAL over the issue of indigenous and foreigner trainer aircraft.

The IAF is also engaged in intense negotiations for the procurement of 126 Rafale multi-role combat aircraft from the French firm Dassault Aviation.

Born on December 26, 1954, 59 year-old Raha is expected to have a tenure of three years as the Chief of Air Staff.

Commissioned on December 14, 1974 in the fighter stream of the IAF, Raha has held various command, staff and instructional appointments in his 39-year-old career.

He has also served as Air Attache at the Embassy of India in Ukraine.

Besides various technical courses, Raha has done Strategic Nuclear Orientation Course and Junior Commanders' course. He has commanded Central Air Command and Western Air Command.

Raha has served as Directing Staff at Flying Instructors School, Tambaram (Tamil Nadu) as well as at the Gwalior-based Tactics and Combat Development Establishment of the IAF.