Navkaranjit Singh Dhillon Explained

Air Marshal Navkaranjit Singh Dhillon, AVSM is a former air officer of the Indian Air Force. He last served as the Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command. He assumed office on 1 April 2019, following the retirement of Air Marshal Jasbir Walia.^[2] He superannuated on 31 January 2021.^[3]

Early life and education

Dhillon is an alumnus of St. Francis School, Amritsar, Sainik School, Kapurthala and Khalsa College, Amritsar.^[1] He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and the National Defence College, New Delhi.^[4]

Career

Dhillon has served as Principal Director Air Defence at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), as well as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Inspection) at Air Headquarters. Prior to assuming the appointment of Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command, he was Air Defence Commander at Headquarters, Southern Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters, Western Air Command.^[5]

Honours and decorations

In his career of 38 years, Dhillon has been awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014 and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2021 for his service.^{[6] [7]}

Param Vishisht Seva Medal

Ati Vishisht Seva Medal

Personal life

He is married to Simmar Dhillon and they have a son Pavit Dhillon and a Daughter Puneet Dhillon.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: N S Dhillon appointed as new chief of strategic forces.
2. Fighter pilot Air Marshal NS Dhillon appointed as the new Strategic Forces Command Chief. The Strategic Forces Command looks after the strategic nuclear arsenal of the country.. ANI. 1111991142067961857. 30 March 2019.
3. Web site: Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar to take over as new chief of Strategic Forces Command. 31 January 2021.
4. Web site: Air Marshal NJS Dhillon takes over as Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command. 31 July 2016.
5. Web site: Air Marshal NS Dhillon appointed as new Strategic Forces Command Chief. 30 March 2019.
6. Web site: 368 Republic Day Gallantry and Other Defence Decorations Announced. 25 January 2014.
7. Web site: President Shri Ram Nath Kovind approves 455 Gallantry & other defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel on Republic Day. PIB. 25 January 2021.