Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor SYSM PVSM AVSM VM assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on January 1, 2026.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Kapoor graduated in December 1985 and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. An experienced fighter pilot, Qualified Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader, he has flown all variants of the MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft and has over 3,400 hours of flying experience on a wide range of combat and trainer aircraft.
During his career spanning over 39 years, Air Marshal Kapoor has held a broad range of command, operational, instructional and staff appointments. His operational tenures include 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.
His instructional assignments include serving 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 in the Indian Air Force.
Air Marshal Kapoor has also served on diplomatic assignment as Defence Attaché to Pakistan. His important staff appointments include Assistant Chief of the 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 assuming charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training Command and later as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command.
In recognition of his distinguished service, Air Marshal Kapoor has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025.
Air Marshal Kapoor succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari SYSM PVSM AVSM VM, who superannuated after completing 40 years of distinguished service to the nation.
