Air Marshal DK Patnaik: New Chief of Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal DK Patnaik

Air Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik took over as the air commander commanding in chief of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command on  Officials said Sunday. One of the IAF spokespersons informed PTI that Air Marshal Amit Dev, who had previously held the position, has taken over as the commanding officer in chief of the Western Command.

On June 8, 1984, Patnaik was commissioned into the Indian Air Force's fighter stream. He attended the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, as well as the Defence Services Staff College and the College of Air Warfare.

He has over 2,500 hours of accident-free flying experience on numerous types of aircraft as a fighter combat leader.

Patnaik has served in a variety of significant roles, including command of a frontline fighter base, assistant chief of air staff operations (air defense), and commandant of the College of Air Warfare.

He was the senior air staff officer at Central Air Command headquarters before taking on the new role.

During the Kargil battle, the air officer performed several live bombing sorties for which he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). In January 2020, he was also honored with the Ati Vishist Seva Medal for his outstanding service.

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