Awadhesh Kumar Bharti

Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM, AVSM,VM is a former senior officer of the Indian Air Force. During Operation Sindoor, he was the face of the Indian Air Force as the Director General Air Operations. He was also the Commodore Commandant of No. 24 Squadron. His father is Jiwachh Lal Yadav, a retired govt personnel of Kosi Project and his mother is Urmila Devi. He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Tilaiya. He then attended the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. He was awarded the Sword of Honour for standing first in overall merit in his course at the Air Force Academy. During his NDA days, Air Marshal Bharti was nicknamed ‘Galloping Horse’, as his cross country record there remained unbroken for many years. He is a highly experienced combat fighter pilot and has flown different types of aircraft including SU-30MKI and SU-30MKM. He has led and been a part of many air exercises including Gagan Shakti, Garuda and Indradhanush. He has been Flight Commander of a Sukhoi-30 fighter squadron, No. 24 Squadron, and Commanding Officer of a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter squadron, No. 30 Squadron. He was awarded ‘Three Stars’ for accident-free flying. The air marshal’s operational tenures include being Air Officer Commanding of a frontline fighter air base, in Lohagaon, under South Western Air Command. His staff appointments include Air Attaché with Royal Malaysian Air Force where he trained Malaysian fighter pilots on SU-30 MKM.

As an air vice marshal, Bharti served as the Chief Staff Officer (Air Vector Strategy) in Strategic Forces Command A year later, on 3 October 2024, he assumed the appointment of Director General Air Operations (DGAO). As the DGAO, he played a vital role in India's Operation Sindoor. On 1 June 2025, Bharti took over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff in collaboration with industry and academia and indigenisation efforts besides long-term strategic planning and leadership of defense personnel.

Personal life Bharti is married to Wing Commander Sangeeta Malla (Retd). The couple has two children.

Awards and decorations During his career, Bharti has been awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on Independence Day 2025, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008. He has also received commendations from the Chief of Air Staff.

Flying Officer Indian Air Force 13 June 1988

Flight Lieutenant Indian Air Force 13 June 1992

Squadron Leader Indian Air Force 13 June 1998

Wing Commander Indian Air Force 11 May 2004

Group Captain Indian Air Force 1 June 2009 (acting 13 Sep 2010)

Air Commodore Indian Air Force 17 June 2013

Air Vice Marshal Indian Air Force 4 December 2019

Air Marshal Indian Air Force 1 September 2023