New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor SYSM PVSM AVSM VM, who previously served as the Defence Attaché to Pakistan, has officially assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff for the Indian Air Force as of Thursday, according to a statement from the Defence Ministry.

He takes over from Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari SYSM PVSM AVSM VM, who retired after an impressive 40 years of dedicated service to the nation.

Air Marshal Kapoor graduated from the National Defence Academy in December 1985 and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986, the official announcement stated.

An accomplished fighter pilot, he is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. Throughout his illustrious flying career, he has flown various models of the MiG-21 and MiG-29, amassing over 3,400 flying hours across different combat and trainer aircraft.

As an alumnus of both the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, he has devoted over 39 years to distinguished service, holding a broad range of command, operational, instructional, and staff roles.

His operational roles have included serving as Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron in the Central Sector, Station Commander of a flying base in the Western Sector, and Air Officer Commanding of a leading air base.

In his instructional capacities, he has served as Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy and as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. Notably, during his time at the Air Force Academy, he played a crucial role in the induction and operationalization of the PC-7 Mk II aircraft into the Indian Air Force.

Furthermore, he has completed a diplomatic mission as Defence Attaché to Pakistan. His key staff assignments have included Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Strategy) at Air Headquarters, Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Central Air Command, and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters.

Prior to his current position as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training Command and subsequently served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, Air Marshal Kapoor has been honored with the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, and the Presidential Awards of Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025.