Air Marshal Hardeep Bains today assumed the prestigious appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel (AOP) at the Air Headquarters, marking a significant leadership transition within the Indian Air Force (IAF). He succeeded Air Marshal S.K. Vidhate, who superannuated on 30 September 2025 after rendering an illustrious 38 years of dedicated service to the nation.
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Flying Branch on 19 December 1987, Air Marshal Bains is an accomplished aviator and a Category ‘A’ qualified flying instructor with over 5,000 hours of accident-free flying to his credit. His distinguished career spans nearly four decades, during which he has held numerous key field and staff appointments that have significantly contributed to strengthening the operational and personnel capabilities of the IAF.
An alumnus of the National War College, South Africa, and the National Defence College, Israel, Air Marshal Bains brings with him a wealth of strategic and operational expertise. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi, where he played a crucial role in shaping future military leaders and advancing strategic defence studies.
In recognition of his exemplary service and leadership, Air Marshal Bains was decorated with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2012 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2015 by the Hon’ble President of India. His appointment as AOP underscores the IAF’s continued focus on personnel welfare, operational readiness, and leadership development as it evolves into a future-ready aerospace power.
