Major IAF Leadership Transitions on 1 January 2026

Current Context: On 1 January 2026, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command (SWAC).

• He succeeded Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who was appointed as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
• Singh, commissioned in 1987, is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor with over 4,500 flying hours.
• On the same day, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor (SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM) became the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
• Kapoor succeeded Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who retired after 40 years of service, and has 3,400 flying hours.
• Meanwhile, Air Marshal S. Shrinivas took charge as Chief of IAF Training Command, with over 4,200 flying hours.

Question:

Q.1 As of 1st January 2026, who is the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC)?
a) Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor
b) Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari
c) Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
d) Air Marshal S. Shrinivas

Answer: c) On 1 Jan 2026, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as AOC-in-C of SWAC, succeeding Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor.