Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, AVSM, VSM, assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, on 01 June 2026. He succeeds Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who superannuated on 31 May 2026 after 40 years of distinguished and devoted service to the nation.
Air Marshal Chaudhry was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1989. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has built a distinguished record of operational leadership, staff experience, diplomatic service and contribution to capability enhancement within the Indian Air Force.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College, Air Marshal Chaudhry brings with him a strong professional foundation and wide exposure to strategic, operational and administrative aspects of air power. His training at premier military institutions has contributed to his deep understanding of joint operations, national security, defence planning and future capability development.
During his distinguished career, the Air Marshal has held several important operational, staff and diplomatic appointments. His notable assignments include serving as Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Sweden, with concurrent accreditation to Norway, Finland and Denmark. This diplomatic role added an important international dimension to his service profile and involved defence cooperation, military diplomacy and engagement with partner nations.
Air Marshal Chaudhry has also undertaken key staff assignments at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and Air Headquarters. In these roles, he specialised in the domains of projects, acquisition and human resource management, contributing to important institutional processes and modernisation efforts of the Indian Air Force.
The Air Marshal has spearheaded several transformative projects aimed at capability enhancement and induction of future technologies in the IAF. His contribution in areas related to acquisition, projects and future-oriented capabilities reflects the Indian Air Force’s continued focus on modernisation, technology integration and operational preparedness.
Prior to taking over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry was serving as Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Southern Air Command. In that appointment, he was closely involved in operational planning, air operations management and professional oversight of key air force activities within the command.
Central Air Command is one of the important operational commands of the Indian Air Force and plays a crucial role in maintaining air defence readiness, operational coordination and support to national security objectives. As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Air Marshal Chaudhry will be responsible for leading the command’s operational, administrative and training functions while ensuring continued preparedness across its area of responsibility.
His assumption of charge marks a significant leadership transition for Central Air Command. With his background as a fighter pilot, his experience in operational and staff appointments, and his involvement in projects and future technology induction, Air Marshal Chaudhry is expected to provide strong leadership to the command in the coming years.
The appointment also reflects the Indian Air Force’s emphasis on continuity, professionalism and modernisation at the highest levels of command. Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry’s wide-ranging experience across operations, diplomacy, acquisition and human resource management is expected to further strengthen Central Air Command’s role in supporting the IAF’s mission of remaining combat-ready, future-ready and fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s skies.
