Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on 1 January 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who retired after 40 years of service. The change of guard at Vayu Bhawan was marked by a Guard of Honour and a wreath‑laying at the National War Memorial, where the new vice chief paid tribute to fallen air personnel.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor: Service and Experience
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor was commissioned into the flying branch of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy in December 1985. A qualified flying instructor and fighter combat leader, he has logged more than 3,400 hours on a wide range of combat and trainer aircraft, including all variants of the MiG‑21 and MiG‑29.
His career spans command, operational, instructional and staff appointments. Operationally, he has commanded a fighter squadron in the central sector, served as station commander of a flying base in the western sector and led a premier air base as air officer commanding. He has also held significant staff roles such as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations‑Strategy), Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Central Air Command.
In instructional roles, Air Marshal Kapoor served as chief instructor (flying) at the Air Force Academy and was on the directing staff at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. During his tenure at the Air Force Academy he played a key role in the induction and operationalisation of the PC‑7 Mk II aircraft into service.
He has also undertaken diplomatic duties as a defence attaché to Pakistan and is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College. His wide experience is reflected in his leadership posts prior to this appointment, including Air Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of Training Command and of the South Western Air Command.
Honours and Recognition
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor’s service has been recognised with several decorations. He received the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022 and was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025. These honours reflect both distinguished service in peacetime and leadership in operational settings.
Transition at South Western Air Command
Alongside the appointment of Air Marshal Kapoor, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of the South Western Air Command on 1 January. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College, Air Marshal Singh brings more than 4,500 flying hours and instructional experience to the role. He was recognised with the Vayu Sena Medal in 2007 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022.
The orderly transition at the upper echelons of the Indian Air Force emphasises continuity in training, operational preparedness and personnel management. With experienced leaders assuming key posts, the IAF signals a steady approach to modernisation and readiness amid evolving regional security demands.
Image credit: Ministry of Defence / India
Key Takeaways:
- Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 1 January 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari.
- Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor is a seasoned fighter pilot with over 3,400 flying hours and key command, instructional and staff appointments.
- He has held roles including AOC‑in‑C South Western Air Command and Training Command and was instrumental in inducting the PC‑7 Mk II.
- The leadership transition reinforces continuity in operational readiness and training within the Indian Air Force.
