Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor is set to take charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force on January 1, 2026, heralding a significant leadership transition within the organization. Currently, he serves as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC), where he has accumulated considerable operational, command, and combat leadership experience.
His leadership prowess was notably recognized during Operation Sindoor earlier this year, for which he was awarded the Sarvottam Yudha Seva Medal (SYSM). As AOC-in-C of SWAC, Air Marshal Kapoor oversaw air operations from May 6 to May 10, 2025, when the Indian Air Force executed a series of precision strikes on Pakistani air bases. This operation was crucial in demonstrating India’s military capabilities and reaffirming its deterrence posture in a volatile regional landscape.
Commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Kapoor’s career has been marked by a commitment to excellence. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader, and his extensive experience includes over 3,400 hours of flight time on various frontline aircraft. His educational background is underscored by his attendance at prestigious military institutions such as the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and the National Defence College, providing him with a solid foundation of operational expertise and strategic insight.
As he steps into his new role as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kapoor is anticipated to have a significant influence on the future trajectory of the Indian Air Force. His responsibilities will encompass shaping the force structure, advancing capability development, overseeing operational planning, and leading modernization initiatives. This leadership change is vital as the Indian Air Force navigates an evolving array of regional and global security challenges.
Air Marshal Kapoor’s appointment reflects the Indian Air Force’s commitment to fostering combat-tested leadership and strategic vision at its highest command levels, positioning the force to effectively address contemporary security dynamics.
