New Delhi: Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Training Command, Indian Air Force, on January 1, 2026. After taking over his new appointment, the Air Marshal paid homage to the nation’s bravehearts by laying a wreath at the Training Command War Memorial.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Shrinivas was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 13, 1987. A highly accomplished aviator, he is a ‘Category A’ Qualified Flying Instructor with over 4,200 hours of flying experience on a wide range of aircraft, including MiG-21, Iskra, Kiran, PC-7 Mk II, HPT-32, Microlite, among others. He is also qualified as a second pilot on Chetak and Cheetah helicopters and is a categorised Operations Officer on the Pechora missile system.
Distinguished Command and Instructional Career
During his illustrious career, Air Marshal Shrinivas has held several key command, operational, and instructional appointments. His command tenures include serving as Commandant of the Air Force Academy, Air Officer Commanding of a frontline fighter base on the Western border, and AOC of a premier flying training base. He has also served as AOC Advance Headquarters Western Air Command (Jaipur), Commanding Officer of the prestigious Flying Instructors School, Commandant of the Institute of Aerospace Safety, and Commanding Officer of the Basic Flying Training School.
His staff and instructional appointments include Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel Officers), Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy, Operations Staff at Headquarters Central Air Command, and Directing Staff at the College of Air Warfare. Prior to assuming his current role, he served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters South Western Air Command.
Strong Academic and Professional Credentials
Air Marshal Shrinivas is a graduate of the National Defence College, College of Defence Management, and the Defence Services Staff College. His academic qualifications include an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies, a Master of Management Studies, and a Master of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies, reflecting a strong blend of operational expertise and strategic insight.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his meritorious and distinguished service to the nation, Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (2017) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2024) by the Hon’ble President of India.
With his vast operational experience, deep instructional background, and strong academic foundation, Air Marshal Shrinivas is expected to further strengthen the Training Command, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future-ready human capital of the Indian Air Force.
