The North News
New Delhi, January 1
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor has taken charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on January 1, the official statement said. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Kapoor was commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream in December 1986. A highly experienced fighter pilot, qualified flying instructor and fighter combat leader, he has flown all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft, logging more than 3,400 flying hours on combat and trainer platforms.
He has completed professional courses at the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, and brings over 39 years of service across command, operational, instructional and staff roles. His operational tenures include commanding a fighter squadron in the central sector, serving as station commander of a western sector flying base, and leading a premier air base as air officer commanding. He has also held key instructional appointments, including Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy, where he played a central role in the induction and operationalisation of the PC-7 Mk II aircraft.
Air Marshal Kapoor has additionally served on diplomatic assignment as Defence Attaché to Pakistan and held senior staff roles at Air Headquarters and major operational commands. Before assuming his current post, he served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command and later South Western Air Command. He succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who superannuated after four decades of service. Air Marshal Kapoor is a recipient of several decorations, including the Vayu Sena Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal.
