New Delhi: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), Indian Air Force, on January 1, 2026, marking a significant moment in the leadership of the force.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Kapoor graduated in December 1985 and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. A highly experienced fighter pilot, he is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader, with over 3,400 hours of flying experience on a wide range of combat and trainer aircraft. His flying career includes operational experience on all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft.
With over 39 years of illustrious service, Air Marshal Kapoor has held a diverse range of command, operational, instructional, and staff appointments. His operational tenures include 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 premier air base.
In the instructional domain, he has served as Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy and as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. During his tenure at the Air Force Academy, he played a key role in the induction and operationalisation of the PC-7 Mk II aircraft into the Indian Air Force.
Air Marshal Kapoor is also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, and has represented India on the diplomatic front as Defence Attaché to Pakistan. His key staff appointments include 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.
Before assuming charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, followed by his tenure as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command.
In recognition of his exemplary and distinguished service to the nation, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2008), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and the prestigious Presidential Awards of Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (2025).
Air Marshal Kapoor succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who superannuated after 40 years of distinguished and dedicated service to the nation.
The Indian Air Force leadership expressed confidence that Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor’s vast operational experience and strategic insight will further strengthen the force as it continues its journey towards modernization and operational excellence.
