Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Assumes Command of IAF’s Western Air Command

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Assumes Command of IAF's Western Air Command

On January 1, 2025, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Western Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who retired after over 39 years of distinguished service.

Professional Background

Commissioned as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Mishra has accumulated over 3,000 flying hours. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune; the Air Force Test Pilots School, Bangalore; the Air Command and Staff College, USA; and the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. His career includes roles such as Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).

Role of Western Air Command

The Western Air Command is a critical component of the IAF, responsible for defending India’s western borders, including regions facing Pakistan and China. It oversees areas such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and parts of Rajasthan. The command has been pivotal in major operations since Independence, including the Kashmir Operation (1947-48), the Sino-Indian Conflict (1962), the Indo-Pak Wars (1965 and 1971), Operation Pawan (1986 in Sri Lanka), Operation Safed Sagar (1999 in Kargil), and Operation Snow Leopard (2020 in Eastern Ladakh).

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Takes Over as Chief of IAF’s Western Command	Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command on January 1, 2025, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha.
Predecessor	Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha retired after over 39 years of service.
Career Background of Mishra	Commissioned as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986.
Flying Hours	Over 3,000 flying hours.
Key Roles Held by Mishra	Chief Test Pilot at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
Western Air Command	Responsible for defending India’s western borders (Pakistan and China borders), covering regions like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Significant Operations	Involved in key operations such as the Kashmir Operation (1947-48), Sino-Indian Conflict (1962), Indo-Pak Wars (1965 and 1971), Operation Pawan (1986 in Sri Lanka), Operation Safed Sagar (1999 in Kargil), and Operation Snow Leopard (2020 in Eastern Ladakh).
Educational Background of Mishra	Alumnus of National Defence Academy, Air Force Test Pilots School, Air Command and Staff College (USA), and Royal College of Defence Studies (UK).
Date of Appointment	January 1, 2025.