Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Air Marshal Kapoor Takes Over as Vice Chief
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor has taken over as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff in the Indian Air Force.
He has a lot of experience flying different types of aircraft and has received many awards.
He was previously in charge of the South Western Air Command.
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari retired after 40 years of service.
Another officer, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, has taken over the South Western Air Command.
Both new officers have a lot of experience and have received awards for their service.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed the role of Vice Chief of Air Staff on January 1, 2026.
He has over 3,400 hours of flying experience on various combat and trainer aircraft, including all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29.
Kapoor previously served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command (SWAC).
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari retired on December 31, 2025, after 40 years of service.
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took charge as the new Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of SWAC on January 1, 2026.
- Who
- Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
- What
- Appointment of Air Marshal Kapoor as Vice Chief of Air Staff and retirement of Air Marshal Tiwari
- When
- January 1, 2026 (appointment), December 31, 2025 (retirement)
- Where
- India
- Why
- Completion of service by Air Marshal Tiwari and appointment of Air Marshal Kapoor to the new role
- Name
- Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor
- Appointment Date
- January 1, 2026
- Previous Role
- Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command (SWAC)
- Flying Experience
- Over 3,400 hours on combat and trainer aircraft
- Aircraft Flown
- All variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29
- Education
- National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, National Defence College
- Awards
- Vayu Sena Medal (2008), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (2025)
- Retired Officer
- Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari
- Retirement Date
- December 31, 2025
- Years of Service
- 40 years
- New SWAC Chief
- Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
- New SWAC Chief's Flying Experience
- Over 4,500 hours
- New SWAC Chief's Awards
- Vayu Sena Medal (2007), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022)
Sources
Air Marshal Tiwari retires as VCAS after four decades of service
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Charge As IAF Vice Chief Of Air Staff
Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas assumes charge as IAF AOC-in-C, training command
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor takes charge as Vice Chief of Air Staff
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, ex-Defence Attache to Pak, takes over as vice chief of IAF
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Charge as Vice Chief of Air Staff of Indian Air Force
Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas Assumes Charge as AOC-in-C, IAF Training Command
