Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor to take over as new IAF Vice Chief on January 1
New Delhi, December 31
Ace fighter pilot Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor will take over as the new Vice Chief of Air Staff on January 1. He is presently the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Gandhinagar-based South Western Air Command.
He was awarded the Sarvottam Yudha Sewa Medal for his role in Operation Sindoor earlier this year. He commanded the SWAC at the time when the Indian Air Force launched multiple attacks on Pakistani air bases in the operations between May 6 and 10, causing heavy damage to them.
Air Marshal Kapoor was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 06 December 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. A Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader, he has more than 3400 hours of flying experience.
During his illustrious career, the Air Marshal has held numerous field and staff appointments. His operational tenures include being the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron in the Central Sector, Station Commander of a flying base in the Western Sector and Air Officer Commanding of a premier air base.
He has done instructional tenures as Chief Instructor (Flying) at Air Force Academy and as Directing Staff at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. During his tenure at the Air Force Academy, the Air Officer was instrumental in the induction and operationalisation of PC-7 MK II aircraft in the IAF.
He has also undertaken a diplomatic assignment as the Defence Attache in Pakistan. His staff appointments include Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Strategy) at Air HQ, Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Central Air Command.
Before taking over as AIC-in-C Training Command, he also served as the Air Officer-in-Charge, Personnel, at Air Headquarters in New Delhi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive credentials. 3400 flying hours is no small feat. Wishing Air Marshal Kapoor all the best as he takes on this critical responsibility for our nation's security.
His background as an instructor is crucial. We need leaders who can not only command but also mentor the next generation of pilots. Good appointment.
While his record is stellar, I hope his tenure focuses on modernising our air force further and addressing the pilot shortage issue that often gets reported.
Jai Hind! A fighter pilot with actual combat experience leading from the front is exactly what we need. His role in the strikes sends a strong message.
The fact that he served as Defence Attache in Pakistan gives him unique insight into our neighbour's mindset. That's invaluable experience for a top commander.
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