The 48th Higher Air Command Course (HACC) at the College of Air Warfare (CAW) concluded with a valedictory function, marking a significant milestone in fostering leadership and tri-services synergy among senior officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event, held at CAW in Secunderabad, was graced by Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command, as the Chief Guest.
The Higher Air Command Course, a 44-week program, is designed to prepare Group Captains and Wing Commanders of the IAF’s Flying Branch, along with equivalent officers from the Army and Navy, for senior command and staff roles. The curriculum focuses on air power doctrine, computer-aided war gaming, and specialized capsules on nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare, administration, law, electronic warfare, and management. Participants also engage in joint exercises with their Army and Navy counterparts at the Army War College in Mhow, emphasizing integrated military operations. A key component of the course is the submission of a dissertation, showcasing the officers’ strategic insights.
The valedictory function highlighted the course’s role in enhancing operational readiness and inter-service collaboration, aligning with the Indian Armed Forces’ vision of #OnThePathofLeadership and #Synergy. A group photograph captured the graduating officers in their uniforms, standing proudly in front of a backdrop that read “College of Air Warfare – 48th Higher Air Command Course Valedictory Function,” with awards and trophies displayed prominently.
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, a distinguished fighter pilot with over 38 years of service, addressed the officers, emphasizing the importance of adaptive leadership in modern warfare. Commissioned in 1986, Mishra has held numerous command and staff appointments and is a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary service. He assumed command of the Western Air Command on January 1, 2025.
The College of Air Warfare, established in 1959, remains a premier tri-service institution under the Indian Air Force, dedicated to training officers in air warfare strategies and leadership. The institution also houses the Centre for Leadership-Training And Behavioural Sciences (C-LABS), which focuses on developing leadership and managerial skills for junior and middle-level officers.
This year’s HACC underscores the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to fostering jointmanship and preparing leaders for the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
