Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s South Western Air Command (SWAC), conducted an important visit to Air Force Station Lonavla today. His agenda included a thorough review of ongoing operational activities and meaningful interactions with station personnel. The visit was particularly significant in light of the station’s contributions to the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, a recent precision strike operation aimed at dismantling cross-border terrorist infrastructure.
With an impressive career spanning over 35 years, Air Marshal Kapoor brings a wealth of experience to his leadership role, including a notable diplomatic tenure as Defence Attaché to Pakistan. During his visit, he underscored the critical importance of advancing technological capabilities within India’s air defense systems. A focal point of his discussion was the necessity of enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) communication framework by embracing next-generation technologies, spotlighting the ambitious ₹1,077 crore Air Force Network (AFNet) project.
Originally launched in 2010, with the collaboration of HCL Technologies and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, AFNet has replaced older systems such as the tropo-scatter system. This modernization initiative has laid the groundwork for net-centric operations, enabling more efficient coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Kapoor reaffirmed the IAF’s commitment to optimizing this infrastructure to enhance operational synergy across the tri-services.
The Air Marshal also took the time to review ongoing infrastructure enhancements at the station, placing a strong emphasis on the priorities of cybersecurity, interoperability, and mission preparedness. He expressed gratitude to the air warriors for their professionalism and operational excellence, particularly highlighting their strategic deployments covering crucial areas such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra.
Concluding his visit, Kapoor engaged in interactions that aimed to boost morale among personnel, illustrating the IAF leadership’s proactive stance on modernizing India’s aerial defense capabilities. His recent hands-on involvement in frontline operations—such as piloting a Su-30 MKI sortie—demonstrates a leadership approach deeply rooted in active participation and operational engagement, further solidifying the IAF’s readiness for future challenges.
