According to an invitation from Sri Lanka Air Force Chief, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, the Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhary is schedule to visit Sri Lanka on 01 May 2023 for an official visit.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary, who joined the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in 1982, has an extensive experience of over 3,800 flying hours on various fighter jets, including MiG-21, MiG-23MF, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI. He is a highly accomplished professional with numerous qualifications, including Qualified Flying Instructor, Pilots Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner. He is also a founding member of the Indian Air Force Surya Kiran Aerobatic Demonstration Team. Since 30 September 2021, he serves as the 27th Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.
During the stay, the Indian Air chief is expected to call on the President, the Prime Minister, the State Minister of Defence and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence.
The official visit aims to facilitate discussions on the development of cooperation between regional air forces, joint training and technical knowledge exchange. The expansion of maritime surveillance operations will also be among the key topics for discussion.
