Nagesh Kapoor

Nagesh Kapoor
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command
Assumed office
1 May 2025
Preceded byNarmdeshwar Tiwari
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command
In office
1 May 2024 – 30 April 2025
Preceded byRadhakrishnan Radhish
Succeeded byTejinder Singh
Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel
In office
1 September 2023 – 30 April 2024
Preceded bySuraj Kumar Jha
Succeeded bySunil Kashinath Vidhate
Personal details
AwardsParam Vishisht Seva Medal
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Vayu Sena Medal
Military service
Allegiance India
Branch/service Indian Air Force
Years of service6 December 1986 – Present
Rank Air Marshal
UnitNo. 35 Squadron
CommandsSouth Western Air Command
Training Command
No. 35 Squadron
Service number18557 [1]

Nagesh Kapoor is a senior air officer of the Indian Air Force, currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command since May 1, 2025.[2] Previously, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training Command.[3]

Early life and education

Kapoor is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College, and the National Defence College.[4]

Military career

Commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986, Kapoor has over 3,400 hours of flying experience. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader.[5] Throughout his career, he has held numerous positions, including:

Operational roles

  • Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron in the Central Sector
  • Station Commander of a flying base in the Western Sector
  • Air Officer Commanding of a premier air base

Instructional roles

During his tenure at the Air Force Academy, he was involved in the induction and operationalization of the PC-7 MK II aircraft into the IAF's training curriculum. Additionally, he served in a diplomatic role as the Defence Attaché in Pakistan.[6]

Staff appointments

  • 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
  • Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters[7]

Awards and recognitions

Kapoor received the following awards:

  • Vayu Sena Medal in 2008
  • Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022[8]

References

  1. ^ "Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor- BRF". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
  2. ^ "Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor takes charge as AOC-in-C of SW Air Command". Business Standard. 2025-05-01.
  3. ^ "Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Over as AOC-in-C Training Command". Press Information Bureau. 1 May 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  4. ^ "Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Assumes Command of IAF's Training Command". SSBCrack. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  5. ^ "Press Release:Press Information Bureau". pib. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  6. ^ "Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Over Training Command". Bharat Shakti. 1 May 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  7. ^ "Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Over as Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel". Press Information Bureau. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  8. ^ "Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Assumes Charge as Training Command Chief". India Strategic. 1 May 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2025.