India Sacks Deputy Air Chief After Rafale Jet Controversy and Rising Tensions

In a surprise shake-up within the Indian Air Force, Deputy Air Marshal Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkar has been removed from his post just seven months after his appointment. His removal, the second high-profile dismissal in India’s military since the Pahalgam incident, has sparked uncertainty within the ranks.

Sources indicate Air Marshal Dharkar was relieved after expressing deep dissatisfaction with the performance of Rafale pilots during a recent operation near the Line of Control. According to reports, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully intercepted Indian Rafales, prompting internal scrutiny over the jets’ effectiveness and command oversight.

The incident reportedly led Dharkar to question whether India’s Rafale fleet could effectively counter Pakistan’s radar capabilities, following what some are calling a repeat of the 2019 Operation Swift Retort.

Earlier, Northern Command Army Commander Lt-General MV Suchindra Kumar was also removed post-Pahalgam. Now, Air Marshal Narmadaeshwar Tiwari has been appointed Vice Chief of Air Staff to stabilise the force’s leadership.