Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force
New Delhi January 01, 2026:-Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, a highly decorated fighter pilot and veteran administrator, formally took over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force on New Year’s Day.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Kapoor was commissioned into the fighter stream in December 1986. Over his nearly four decades of illustrious service, he has logged more than 3,400 flying hours on various combat and trainer aircraft, including all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29.
As a Qualified Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader, he has held pivotal roles across the operational spectrum, ranging from commanding a fighter squadron in the Central Sector to serving as the Air Officer Commanding of a premier air base in the Western Sector.Kapoor’s extensive career is marked by significant leadership and diplomatic contributions, including a tenure as the Defence Attaché to Pakistan.
He played a critical role in the induction and operationalization of the PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft during his time as Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy. His strategic expertise was further honed through appointments such as Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Strategy) and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters. Before stepping into the role of Vice Chief, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of both Training Command and South Western Air Command.
In recognition of his exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished service, the Air Marshal has been honored with several prestigious military decorations, including the Vayu Sena Medal (2008), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and both the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025. He succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who superannuated today after 40 years of service.
Kapoor’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the Indian Air Force continues its focus on modernization and indigenous capability building.