Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who retired on 31 December after an illustrious career spanning over 39 years.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on 6 December 1986, Air Marshal Mishra brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune, he has also honed his skills and strategic acumen at renowned institutions, including the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bangalore, the Air Command and Staff College in the USA, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.
A Fighter Combat Leader and an Experimental Test Pilot with over 3,000 hours of flying experience, Air Marshal Mishra has had a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades. He has held several key command and staff appointments throughout his career, including serving as the Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron and as the Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE). He has also acted as the Air Officer Commanding for two frontline air bases and directed the Operational Planning and Assessment Group. In addition, he has served as the Principal Director for Air Staff Requirements and as the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Projects at Air Headquarters. His previous roles include Commandant of ASTE and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff for both Doctrine, Organisation, and Training, as well as Operations. His most recent appointment before assuming control of Western Air Command was as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
In recognition of his exceptional service, Air Marshal Mishra has been awarded the prestigious Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
As he steps into this vital leadership role, Air Marshal Mishra is expected to bring his extensive operational expertise and strategic vision to oversee the Western Air Command, a critical formation responsible for safeguarding India’s western frontiers.
Team BharatShakti
