Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, AVSM, VSM, has officially taken on the role of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command as of June 1, 2026. This appointment comes as he succeeds Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who retired after an impressive 40-year tenure dedicated to serving the nation.
Commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1989, Air Marshal Chaudhry boasts over three decades of diverse experience, characterized by significant achievements in operational leadership, staff roles, diplomatic service, and enhancements to the Air Force’s capabilities. His education at esteemed institutions such as the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare, and National Defence College has equipped him with a solid foundation in the strategic, operational, and administrative dimensions of air power. This academic grounding has fostered a profound understanding of joint operations, national security, defense planning, and the development of future capabilities.
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Chaudhry has held various significant roles, including serving as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Sweden, where he was concurrently accredited to Norway, Finland, and Denmark. This key diplomatic position enriched his professional profile, amplifying his engagement in defence cooperation and military diplomacy with partner countries.
In addition, he has taken on essential staff roles at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and Air Headquarters, where he specialized in projects, acquisition, and human resource management. His contributions have played a pivotal role in the institutional processes and modernization initiatives of the Indian Air Force. Notably, he has led several transformative projects designed to enhance operational capabilities and introduce future technologies into the force.
Most recently, before his new appointment, Air Marshal Chaudhry served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Southern Air Command. In this capacity, he was intimately involved in operational planning, management of air operations, and oversight of critical activities within the command.
The Central Air Command is a vital operational command of the Indian Air Force, integral to maintaining air defense readiness and ensuring operational coordination in support of national security. In his new capacity, Air Marshal Chaudhry is tasked with overseeing all operational, administrative, and training functions within the command, thereby maintaining the readiness essential for fulfilling its responsibilities.
Air Marshal Chaudhry’s transition into this leadership role is significant and promises to shape the future direction of Central Air Command. With a background as a fighter pilot and a wealth of experience in operational and staff roles, his tenure is anticipated to provide strong guidance for the command in the years ahead.
His appointment also symbolizes the Indian Air Force’s commitment to continuity, professionalism, and modernization at senior levels of leadership. With a diverse skill set spanning operations, diplomacy, acquisition, and human resource management, Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry is well-positioned to reinforce the Central Air Command’s critical role in the Indian Air Force’s mission to remain combat-ready, forward-looking, and committed to the protection of national airspace.
