Air Marshal PN Pradhan has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
IDS Integrated Defence Staff was created in 2001 following the recommendation of GoM which was set up after the Kargil war to review India’s defence management.
IDS was established to ensure a high degree of synergy between the Armed forces.
IDS works towards integration of policies, war fighting and procurement by employing best management practices.
The IDS comprises of Service Officers, Civilian Officers and Scientists who perform roles and functions allocated to them based on responsibilities of Integrated Defence Staff.
PN Pradhan was commissioned as a pilot in Indian Air Force in 1981.
Pradhan has held four command tenures and various key positions like Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Transport and Helicopters) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personal Airmen & Civilians) at Air Headquarters and served as the Senior Air Staff Officer of Southern Air Command.
Pradhan was associated with the induction and operationalisation of Embraer-135, BBJ and C-130 fleets into the Indian Airforce.
In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014.
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal: Know More- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal is a military award of India given to recognize “distinguished service of an exceptional order” to all ranks of the armed forces. The award can also be granted posthumously.
- Category: Peacetime distinguished service medal
- Awarded for: Distinguished service of an exceptional order.
- Established: 26 January 1960
- Next (Lower): Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
- Next (Higher): Vir Chakra
