Changes in Air Force Act: Now the Chief of the Air Force will also be able to become CDS; Retired Airforce Chief Dhanoa’s name also in race

The Ministry of Defense has made major changes in the Air Force Act. Now the Chief of Defense Staff to the Air Marshal-Air Chief Marshal who is working or retired in the Air Force can also become the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS). However, one major condition has been placed in this. The age of the person who will be made CDS should not be more than 62 years. This will now be known as the Air Force (Amendment) Regulations 2022

The post is lying vacant after the death of General Bipin Rawat. Rawat, his wife and 13 people were killed in a helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.

BS Dhanavo can become the next CDS
The government has started the process to fill the post of CDS. According to sources, the central government can announce the name of the new CDS by next week. Former Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa’s name is leading in this race. BS Dhanavo was the 25th Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Air Force.

Air Marshal Vivek Ram Choudhary was appointed to the post after former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa.

The name of General Naravane is also discussed.
The name of General Naravane is also in discussion in becoming CDS. Naravane has had a stellar career so far. He had handled the infiltration case of the Chinese army well into India and forced them to retreat from the border. Along with the name of General Naravane, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Choudhary and Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Air Marshal BR Krishna are also involved.

General MM Naravane’s claim for the post of CDS seems to be the strongest.

Along with leading the army in the new CDS, it is important to have these qualities, know why Naravane is ahead in the race

When was the establishment of the post of CDS
After the Kargil war in 1999, the government was suggested for this post by several committees. After this, the Government of India was constantly considering the post of CDS. On 15 August 2019, PM Modi had announced this post from the Red Fort and said that this would give good leadership to the three services at the top level.

Several committees had suggested the establishment of an Integrated Theater Command of the Army and the post of CDS.

Bipin Rawat became CDS in 2020
In January 2020, the Government of India appointed General Bipin Rawat as the first CDS. His job was to make synergy of the three armies so that the military power of the country could be promoted. The CDS has also been empowered to give directions to the three chiefs.