In a significant leadership transition, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has welcomed a new second-in-command. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor officially took over the responsibilities of the Vice Chief of the Air Staff on Monday, July 1. This key appointment places him directly under the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, in the force's hierarchy.
A Distinguished Career Takes the Helm
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor is a highly decorated officer with a career spanning several decades. An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 17, 1988. His operational expertise is rooted in flying various fighter aircraft, where he accumulated over 3800 hours of flying experience. This extensive hands-on knowledge forms the bedrock of his understanding of the IAF's core combat capabilities.
Before this elevation, Air Marshal Kapoor served as the Director General Air (Operations) at Air Headquarters. In this crucial role, he was responsible for the planning and execution of all air operations, a position that demands strategic vision and a deep understanding of contemporary aerial warfare. His appointment as Vice Chief is a natural progression, leveraging his recent operational command experience at the highest level.
Stepping into a Critical Role
The position of Vice Chief of the Air Staff is one of immense responsibility. The officer in this role is the principal advisor to the Chief of the Air Staff and plays a pivotal part in the day-to-day administration and operational readiness of the entire force. The Vice Chief oversees the implementation of policies, force modernization projects, and ensures the IAF remains prepared to meet national security challenges.
Air Marshal Kapoor succeeds Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retired from service after a distinguished career. The change of guard ceremony at Air Headquarters in New Delhi marked the formal handover of duties. The IAF, in its official communication, expressed confidence that under Air Marshal Kapoor's guidance, the force would continue to achieve greater heights.
Experience Across Command and Staff
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor's career profile is marked by a balanced mix of command and staff appointments. He has commanded a frontline fighter squadron, a premier fighter base, and served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command. This command experience is complemented by significant tenures in vital staff roles, including Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) at Headquarters, and important assignments at the Integrated Defence Staff.
His educational qualifications are equally impressive, holding a Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies and being a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College. For his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
This appointment comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is undergoing a major transformation with the induction of new platforms like the Rafale and Tejas Mk1A, and the impending arrival of the S-400 air defence systems. Air Marshal Kapoor's extensive background in both operations and project planning will be invaluable in steering the IAF through this modernization phase and maintaining its operational edge.
