Nagesh Kapoor

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM 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]

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assuming charge of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Training Command (TC)

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor SYSM PVSM AVSM VM
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command
Incumbent
Assumed office 1 May 2025
Preceded by	Narmdeshwar Tiwari
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command
In office 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2025
Preceded by	Radhakrishnan Radhish
Succeeded by	Tejinder Singh
Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel
In office 1 September 2023 – 30 April 2024
Preceded by	Suraj Kumar Jha
Succeeded by	Sunil Kashinath Vidhate
Personal details
Awards	Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vayu Sena Medal
Military service
Allegiance	India
Branch/service	Indian Air Force
Years of service	6 December 1986 – Present
Rank	Air Marshal
Unit	No. 35 Squadron
Commands	South Western Air Command Training Command No. 35 Squadron
Service number	18557 [1]

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

• Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy
• Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

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]