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Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Command at SWAC

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Synopsis Of the Article

New Appointment: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor PVSM AVSM VM has taken over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of South Western Air Command (SWAC) on 1st May 2025.
Ceremonial Welcome: He received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at SWAC Headquarters in Gandhinagar.
Predecessor: He succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who has now become the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Background: Graduated from the National Defence Academy in December 1985 and commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986.
Flying Career: An experienced fighter pilot with over 3400 flying hours, having flown all variants of MiG-21 and MiG-29.
Professional Qualifications: Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Combat Leader, alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College.
Key Roles Held:
- Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron
- Station Commander in Western Sector
- Air Officer Commanding of a major air base
Instructional Tenure: Played a vital role in inducting PC-7 MK II aircraft into the IAF as Chief Instructor (Flying).
International Role: Served as Defence Attaché in Pakistan.
Senior Positions: Held various senior roles including Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations – Strategy), Air Defence Commander (SWAC), Senior Air Staff Officer (Central Command), and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air HQ.
Previous Post: Before this, he was AOC-in-C, Training Command.
Awards: Recipient of:
- Vayu Sena Medal (2008)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022)
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025)

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Over Command of South Western Air Command

In a moment of pride for the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor PVSM AVSM VM officially assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC) on May 1, 2025. This prestigious ceremony took place at the SWAC Headquarters in Gandhinagar, where the Air Marshal was greeted with a grand ceremonial Guard of Honour, marking the beginning of a new leadership era for this strategic command.

He replaces Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who has now taken over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, one of the highest-ranking positions in the Indian Air Force.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor’s career spans almost four decades, during which he has demonstrated excellence in every role he has taken up. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in December 1985 and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 6th December 1986.

A seasoned fighter pilot, he has flown more than 3400 hours, primarily on MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft. His ability to adapt and perform in high-pressure scenarios made him one of the most respected pilots in the IAF. Not only is he a Qualified Flying Instructor, but he is also a Fighter Combat Leader, both titles that require immense discipline and mastery in aerial combat.

He has honed his leadership skills at top defence institutions like the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, both of which groom India’s future military leaders.

Throughout his distinguished career, Air Marshal Kapoor has taken on several critical roles. His field experience includes:

Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron operating in the Central Sector.
Station Commander of a flying base in the Western Sector.
Air Officer Commanding of a premier air base.

These roles gave him vast experience in operational planning and real-time defence strategy execution.

He has also been deeply involved in training and mentoring future Air Force pilots. During his time as Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy, he played a significant role in the introduction and operationalisation of the PC-7 MK II aircraft. His instructional tenures also include a post as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, where he shaped the minds of many young officers.

Adding an international dimension to his resume, he also served as Defence Attaché in Pakistan, a role that requires not just military knowledge but also diplomacy and strategic foresight. This role further reflects his credibility and trust within the defence leadership circle.

In higher strategic roles, he served as:

Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations – Strategy) at Air Headquarters.
Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command.
Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command.
Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters, overseeing key administrative functions.

Before taking over at SWAC, Air Marshal Kapoor was leading the Training Command, where he was responsible for shaping the training modules, techniques, and overall development of new recruits and officers. Under his leadership, the Training Command enhanced its technological capabilities and efficiency.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor’s dedication and service have not gone unnoticed. He has received several prestigious military decorations, including:

Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 for devotion to duty.
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2022 for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2025 for the highest order of distinguished service.

As AOC-in-C of South Western Air Command, Air Marshal Kapoor will now be responsible for the defence and operational readiness of one of India’s most vital air commands, covering parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and other western regions. This command plays a critical role in safeguarding India’s western borders and maintaining air superiority in the region.

With his deep-rooted operational background, instructional expertise, and leadership qualities, the Indian Air Force looks forward to a period of innovation, efficiency, and strengthened defence under his leadership.