Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor takes over as Indian Air Force Vice Chief

New Delhi. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor on January 1, 2026, assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who retired after four decades of distinguished service.

A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Kapoor was commissioned into the fighter stream in December 1986. A seasoned fighter pilot, flying instructor and Fighter Combat Leader, he has logged over 3,400 flying hours on a wide range of combat and trainer aircraft, including all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29.

With more than 39 years of service, he has held a wide array of key operational, instructional and staff appointments. These include commanding a fighter squadron in the Central Sector, leading major air bases in the Western Sector, and serving as Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy, where he played a key role in inducting the PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft. He has also served as Defence Attaché to Pakistan and held senior positions at Air Headquarters and various commands.

Before taking over as Vice Chief, he headed the Training Command and the South Western Air Command. He has been decorated with several gallantry and distinguished service awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal.