New Delhi : In a significant development, Air Marshal Makarand Ranade has officially taken over the responsibilities as Director General (Inspection and Safety) [DG (I&S)] at Air HQ, New Delhi. The change in leadership comes into effect from December 1, 2023.
Air Marshal Ranade, an alumnus of the National Defence College in New Delhi and the College Interarmée de Defense in Paris, France, joined the Indian Air Force’s fighter stream on December 6, 1986. Over his distinguished career spanning 36 years, he has held crucial field and staff appointments, including commanding a fighter squadron and two flying stations. Additionally, he served as a directing staff at Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment and the Defence Services Staff College. His international experience includes serving as Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Among his notable staff appointments at Air HQ, Air Marshal Ranade has held the positions of Director, Personnel Officers, Principal Director, Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, and Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Space). Before assuming his current role, he served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Western Air Command, New Delhi.
Recognizing his exemplary service, Air Marshal Ranade was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) in 2006 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020.
He succeeds Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, who retired on November 30, 2023, after an illustrious career spanning more than 38 years of dedicated service