Air Commodore B S Vijay Rao, VSM, assumed command of Base Repair Depot (BRD), Palam, New Delhi as the Air Officer Commanding on 01 March 2026. The change of command marks an important leadership transition at one of the Indian Air Force’s premier maintenance and overhaul establishments.
Commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force on 27 November 1995, Air Commodore Vijay Rao brings with him over three decades of distinguished and multifaceted service. An Electrical Engineer with an Executive MBA, he is also an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence College and the Army War College, reflecting a strong foundation in both technical and strategic domains.
Over the course of his career, he has held several key field, staff and Project Management appointments. Notably, he has served as Chief Engineering Officer of a premier base and has undertaken crucial responsibilities at Air Headquarters in the Operations, Maintenance and Plans branches. In these roles, he has significantly contributed to the Indian Air Force’s modernisation, acquisition and sustainment programmes.
Air Commodore Rao has also represented the Indian Air Force in professional assignments abroad and has been closely associated with major upgrade initiatives and technology transfer programmes in collaboration with global aerospace organisations, further strengthening indigenous capability and technical expertise.
In recognition of his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Presidential Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). His appointment as Air Officer Commanding, BRD Palam, is expected to further enhance the depot’s contribution towards sustaining operational readiness and advancing technological excellence within the Indian Air Force.
