New Delhi, October 27, 2026: Air Marshal Vikram Gaur, AVSM, VSM, has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) under the Ministry of Defence. He is the first Indian Air Force officer to hold this position.
Significance of the Appointment
The posting is a notable development in higher defence management. The DMA was set up in January 2020 as part of wider reforms, and it is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff, who also serves as its Secretary. Its role includes promoting jointness among the three Services and dealing with matters related to integrated headquarters and associated functions. Until now, the Additional Secretary position in the DMA had been held by officers from the Army and Navy.
Professional Background of Air Marshal Gaur
Air Marshal Gaur is a fighter pilot with more than 3,200 hours of flying experience on various fighter aircraft, including the Su-30MKI. He is fully operational on four different types of fighter aircraft, a Qualified Flying Instructor, and an Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner. He is also cleared for low-level aerobatics on the Su-30MKI.
He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 15 December 1990 as a pilot in the Flying Branch (146 Course) and is a graduate of the National Defence Academy (77 NDA). Over the course of his career, he has served in several command and staff appointments.
As a Wing Commander, he led No. 20 Squadron, a frontline Su-30MKI unit at Pune, from November 2008 to December 2010. According to the report, the squadron achieved high training and operational standards during his tenure, including the formulation of standard operating procedures, the first weapons camp, and field testing of air-to-ground weaponry.
Key Appointments and Operational Experience
His other appointments include Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in Kabul, Afghanistan (2015–2018); Air Officer Commanding of No. 40 Wing at Maharajpur (Gwalior); and staff roles at Air Headquarters, including Air Staff Requirements and C4ISR. He also served as Air Officer Commanding, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, as Air Vice Marshal, from December 2023 to October 2024.
He later became Joint Secretary (Air and Staff Duties) in the DMA in October 2024, and was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal in July 2026.
Awards and Recognition
Air Marshal Gaur has received the Vishisht Seva Medal (2013) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2021). He also received a Chief of the Air Staff Commendation in 2003 and participated in Operation Safed Sagar. He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College.
His elevation to Additional Secretary brings operational and staff experience in air power, joint operations, and sensitive theatres such as Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to the DMA. The appointment is expected to support inter-service coordination and the inclusion of Air Force perspectives in higher defence planning.
This development fits into continuing efforts within the Ministry of Defence to strengthen jointness and professionalise military affairs.
