NEW DELHI (Dunya News) - In a surprising move, India has dismissed Deputy Air Marshal SP Dharkar from his position just seven months after his appointment, leading to turmoil within the Indian Air Force (IAF). This marks the second high-profile removal of a senior military officer following the controversial Pahalgam incident.
The decision to remove Deputy Air Chief Marshal SP Dharkar came after he publicly voiced concerns regarding his pilots' proficiency in operating Rafale jets.
Previously, the commander of the Northern Command was also relieved of his duties. Now, with Air Marshal SP Dharkar's exit, the IAF faces significant leadership instability.
On Wednesday night, Air Marshal Dharkar was overseeing offensive operations involving Rafale jets when they were swiftly intercepted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), raising questions about his professional judgment and the effectiveness of the aircraft.
The deputy air chief had reportedly expressed serious concerns about the pilots' handling of the Rafale jets, indicating that the Indian aircraft struggled against advanced Pakistani radar systems and lost their navigational bearings.
Assigned to conduct aggressive reconnaissance along the Line of Control (LoC), the Rafale jets were reportedly compromised by Pakistani radar technology, reminiscent of the previous Operation Swift Retort.
In response to this upheaval, Air Marshal Narmadaeshwar Tiwari has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of Air Staff, tasked with restoring stability within the IAF.
The dismissal of the deputy air chief has sparked unrest among the ranks of the Indian Air Force, marking a significant shift in military leadership following the Pahalgam incident. Analysts are expressing concerns about potential further resignations and upheavals in the military hierarchy in the near future.