Air Marshal Pradeep Naik to be next IAF chief

New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) Air Marshal Pradeep Naik will assume command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) May 31 when the present air chief, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, retires, it was announced here Friday.

'Air Marshal Naik will take over after the present chief retires from service on May 31,' the official announcement said.

A fighter pilot, Naik is presently the vice chief of air staff.

Born on July 22, 1949, Naik was commissioned into the IAF on June 21, 1969.

During his long distinguished service spanning nearly 40 years, he has served in a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments. He has over 3,085 hours of flying to his credit. Naik also took part in 1971 war. Before taking over as vice chief of air staff, Naik commanded the Allahabad-based Central Air Command.

An alumnus of the National Defence College (New Delhi), College of Defence Management (Secundrabad) and Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), he has attended a variety of courses like flying instructor course, jungle and snow survival course and junior commanders course.

Naik has been decorated with the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Vishist Seva Medal (VSM). He is also one of the honorary ADCs to the supreme commander of the armed forces, President Pratibha Patil.