Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s prestigious Western Air Command on January 1, 2025. He succeeds Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who retired on December 31, 2024, after over 39 years of exemplary service to the nation.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Mishra brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise accumulated over his 38-year-long distinguished career. 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, he is a Fighter Combat Leader and an experimental Test Pilot with more than 3,000 hours of flying experience.
During his illustrious career, Air Marshal Mishra has held numerous critical command and staff appointments, including Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Chief Test Pilot at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), and Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases. His notable staff appointments include roles such as Director (Operational Planning and Assessment Group), Principal Director (ASR), and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) at Air Headquarters.
He has also served as the Commandant of ASTE and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training), followed by his role as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) prior to this appointment.
A recipient of the prestigious ‘Ati Vishisht Seva Medal’ and ‘Vishisht Seva Medal,’ Air Marshal Mishra has been recognized for his outstanding service and contributions to the Indian Air Force.
Western Air Command, headquartered in Delhi, is one of the most strategic and operationally significant commands of the IAF. Under the leadership of Air Marshal Mishra, the command is expected to continue its legacy of excellence in safeguarding the nation’s airspace and strengthening India’s air power.
