**Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Appointed Vice Chief of Air Staff**
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor has officially taken over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who retired after an impressive 40-year career dedicated to the nation. The transition took place at Vayu Bhawan, where Air Marshal Kapoor was honored with a Guard of Honour and subsequently laid a wreath at the National War Memorial to pay tribute to the nation’s brave soldiers.
Before this new role, Air Marshal Kapoor served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command (SWAC). He is a distinguished graduate of the National Defence Academy, having completed his training in December 1985, and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, in the fighter stream.
As an accomplished fighter pilot, Air Marshal Kapoor has extensive experience, having flown all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft. His flying career boasts over 3,400 hours of operational and instructional flying across various combat and trainer aircraft. He is also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, contributing to his over 39 years of exemplary service in the Air Force.
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Kapoor has held numerous command, operational, instructional, and staff positions. His operational roles include serving as the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron in the Central Sector, Station Commander of a frontline flying base in the Western Sector, and Air Officer Commanding of a premier air base. His instructional contributions include serving as Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy and as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, where he played a crucial role in the induction and operationalization of the PC-7 Mk II aircraft.
Additionally, Air Marshal Kapoor has experience in diplomatic assignments, having served as Defence Attaché to Pakistan. His key staff roles include Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations – Strategy) at Air Headquarters, Air Defence Commander at SWAC, Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Central Air Command, and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters.
Prior to his current appointment, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training Command and then the South Western Air Command. In recognition of his outstanding service, he has received several prestigious awards, including the Vayu Sena Medal (2008), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and the Presidential Awards of Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (2025).
As Air Marshal Kapoor steps into his new role, his extensive experience and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued excellence of the Indian Air Force.
**FAQ**
*What is the significance of Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor’s appointment?*
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor’s appointment as Vice Chief of the Air Staff is significant as it brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Indian Air Force, ensuring the continuation of its operational readiness and strategic capabilities.