New Delhi: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor SYSM PVSM AVSM VM assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on January 1, marking another key leadership transition at Air Headquarters.
Air Marshal Kapoor is a highly respected officer with close to four decades of service who brings with him vast operational, command and instructional experience. He is a 1985 graduate of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.
He is an accomplished fighter pilot who has flown all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader with over 3,400 flying hours on a wide range of combat and trainer aircraft.
Over the years, he ahs held several important command and operational appointments. His field experience includes serving as Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron in the Central Sector, Station Commander of a major flying base in the Western Sector and Air Officer Commanding of a premier air base. He has also played a significant role in training and mentoring future officers of the force.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of the Air Staff, IAF on 01 Jan 26. Commissioned into the Flying Branch of IAF in Dec 1986, he has a rich experience of flying on various fighter and trainer aircraft of the IAF.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/BQbM62hHG9
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 1, 2026
As Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy, Air Marshal Kapoor was closely involved in the induction and operationalisation of the PC-7 MK II aircraft which is a key platform for training young pilots. e has also served as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.
His career includes important strategic and administrative roles such as Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Strategy), Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters. He also served as Defence Attaché to Pakistan adding diplomatic experience to his profile.
Air Marshal Kapoor’s distinguished service records
Before taking over as Vice Chief, Air Marshal Kapoor served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command and later South Western Air Command.
In recognition of his distinguished service, he has received several honours including the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022 and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025. He succeeds Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari who retires after completing 40 years of distinguished service to the nation.