New Delhi: Air Marshal BR Krishna October one assumed charge of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). He paid homage to the brave hearts at the National War Memorial here followed by Tri-Service Guard of Honour.

Commissioned as a fighter pilot in 1983, Air Marshal Krishna has had a distinguished career spanning over 38 years. A qualified Flying Instructor and experimental test pilot, he has flown a wide variety of fighters, transport aircraft, and helicopters in the inventory of Indian Air Force (IAF).

He has over 5,000 hours of flying experience including operational, instructional and test flying. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College.

During his illustrious career, the CISC has held numerous important command and staff appointments. He commanded a frontline Fighter Squadron and Air Force Test Pilots School. He was Chief Operations Officer of a Forward Air Base, Commandant of Aircraft and System Testing Establishment and commanded a Frontline Air Base.

Air Marshal B R Krishna was Assistant Chief of Air Staff(Projects) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) at the Air Headquarters. As an Air Marshal, he served as Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command and Director General Air Operations. Prior to taking over as CISC, he was commanding Western Air Command. He was awarded Shaurya Chakra for gallantry in 1986 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service in 1987.