Shillong, November 6, 2026: Air Marshal Sanjeev Vashishth assumed charge as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command (EAC) on November 1, 2026, bringing with him more than three decades of distinguished military service and extensive operational experience.
An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Air Marshal Vashishth was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 13, 1992. Over his illustrious career spanning more than 34 years, he has accumulated over 3,500 hours of flying experience, demonstrating his expertise in military aviation and helicopter operations.
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Vashishth has held several important operational and leadership appointments. He has commanded a helicopter unit and two frontline air bases, gaining extensive experience in managing air operations, operational preparedness and personnel.
In addition to his field assignments, the senior officer has served in key staff appointments at Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters, contributing to operational planning and the administration of the Indian Air Force.
Before assuming his new responsibility at Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Vashishth served as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations – Transport and Helicopter) at Air Headquarters. In this position, he was associated with the operational aspects of the IAF’s transport and helicopter fleets, which play a vital role in military logistics, troop movement and operational support.
As Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Vashishth will play an important role in overseeing operational planning, coordination and preparedness across the command’s area of responsibility.
Eastern Air Command, headquartered in Shillong, is responsible for Indian Air Force operations across a strategically significant region that includes India’s northeastern frontier. The command plays a crucial role in maintaining air defence readiness and supporting military operations in the eastern sector.
Air Marshal Vashishth’s appointment brings extensive flying, command and staff experience to the leadership of Eastern Air Command at a time when operational readiness and coordination remain central to the Indian Air Force’s responsibilities.
