New Delhi, 01 January (H.S.): Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, instrumental in bombing Pakistani air bases during Operation Sindoor, took charge on Thursday as the 50th Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari after leading the South Western Air Command.

Following a solemn wreath-laying at the National War Memorial to honor valiant fallen heroes, Kapoor received a ceremonial Guard of Honour, marking his ascension amid the command's pivotal role in the May 6-10, 2024, strikes that inflicted severe setbacks on adversarial assets last year.

Commissioned into the fighter stream on December 6, 1986, the National Defence Academy alumnus boasts over 3,400 flying hours across diverse jets including all MiG-21 and MiG-29 variants, qualified as Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader with extensive field and instructional tenures.

Decorated Career Trajectory

Kapoor earned the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008 for exemplary service, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, Param Vishisht Seva Medal on Republic Day 2025, and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal on Independence Day 2025 for Operation Sindoor exploits; prior roles encompassed Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command (May 2024), Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel (September 2023), Senior Air Staff Officer Central Air Command (Prayagraj), and command of fighter squadrons in Central and Western Sectors alongside premier air bases.

His instructional legacy includes Chief Instructor (Flying) at Air Force Academy Dundigal, Directing Staff at Defence Services Staff College Wellington, with advanced studies at National Defence College Delhi; operational highlights feature station command in Western Sector and Air Officer Commanding at a premier base.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar