Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor appointed as new Vice Chief of Indian Air Force

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a key leadership change within the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor has taken over as the Vice Chief of Air Staff. He formally assumed charge on Thursday, January 1, 2026, during a brief yet dignified ceremony held at Air Headquarters, following the implementation of his appointment orders.

Air Marshal Kapoor was commissioned into the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in December 1986. Over a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has flown a wide range of frontline fighter and training aircraft. He has held several important appointments related to operations, training, and aviation safety, and is regarded as one of the most experienced pilots in the fighter stream of the IAF.

His contributions to the modernisation of the Indian Air Force, enhancement of operational capability, and strategic planning for future combat requirements have been widely acknowledged. As Vice Chief of Air Staff, he will now play a crucial role in shaping key policies, operational directives, capability development, training structures, and future technological infrastructure of the force. He is a seasoned fighter pilot with over 3,400 flying hours, a qualified flying instructor, and a certified fighter combat leader.

Air Marshal Kapoor has flown all variants of the MiG-21 and the MiG-29 fighter aircraft. An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, his over 39 years of service include extensive command, operational, training, and staff experience. His appointments have included Squadron Commander, Station Commander, Air Officer Commanding, Chief Instructor at the Air Force Academy, Defence Attaché in Pakistan, and several key roles at Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters. He has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2008), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and in 2025, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who retired as Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force on December 31, 2025, after nearly four decades of distinguished service to the nation. Air Marshal Tiwari was commissioned into the fighter stream on June 7, 1986, and accumulated over 3,600 flying hours on various aircraft. A qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot, he was also a graduate of the US Air Command and Staff College. His career included key roles as directing staff at the IAF Test Pilots’ School, Wellington, and the Defence Services Staff College. His operational experience included weapon and system trials, notably the use of the ‘Lightning’ laser designation pod during the 1999 Kargil operations, as well as active involvement in various phases of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) flight testing.