By A Correspondent

New Delhi: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, an ace MiG-21 and MiG-29 fighter pilot, assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on January 1, 2026, bringing with him nearly four decades of extensive operational, command, and strategic experience at a time when the force is undergoing rapid modernisation and capability expansion.

An accomplished fighter pilot and combat leader, Air Marshal Kapoor succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who superannuated after 40 years of distinguished service.

As VCAS, Kapoor will play a pivotal role in shaping operational readiness, force structuring, training reforms, and future acquisitions amid evolving regional security challenges.

Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Flying Branch on December 6, 1986, after graduating from the National Defence Academy in December 1985, Air Marshal Kapoor has flown all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29.

A Qualified Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader, he has logged over 3,400 hours of flying on a wide range of combat and trainer aircraft.

An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, the Air Marshal has held a diverse array of command, operational, instructional, and staff appointments over more than 39 years of service.

His key operational tenures include commanding a fighter squadron in the Central Sector, serving as Station Commander of a flying base in the Western Sector, and Air Officer Commanding of a premier air base.

His instructional roles include Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy and Directing Staff at DSSC, Wellington. During his tenure at the Academy, he was instrumental in the induction and operationalisation of the PC-7 MkII basic trainer aircraft.

Air Marshal Kapoor has also served as India’s Defence Attaché to Pakistan, adding diplomatic experience to his operational profile. At Air Headquarters, he has held critical appointments such as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations–Strategy) and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel.

Before assuming charge as VCAS, he served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command and South Western Air Command. In recognition of his exemplary service, he has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2008), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025 after Operation Sindoor anti-terror conflict with Pakistan.

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