Air Commodore Vikassheel Singh Saini took over as the Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Hakimpet, a ceremonial parade held on Monday, succeeding Air Commodore Pankaj Jain.
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 20 June, 1998, Air Commodore Saini brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), he has also completed the Higher Air Command Course at the College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad, where he later served as Directing Staff.
With over 2,100 hours of flying experience across a range of fighter and trainer aircraft, including the MiG-29, MiG-29 UPG, MiG-21, HJT-16, and HPT-32, Air Commodore Saini is also a qualified flying instructor and a former member of the prestigious Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has held numerous key appointments. These include command of a premier forward base in the western sector and a frontline fighter squadron, where he played a pivotal role in operationalising the upgraded MiG-29 aircraft. His international experience includes serving as Aviation Staff Officer under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Recognised for his exemplary service, Air Commodore Saini was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal by the President of India on 26 January 2018.
Published – December 03, 2024 08:10 am IST
