On January 1, 2025, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s prestigious Western Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who retired on December 31, 2024, after a distinguished career spanning more than 39 years.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, as a fighter pilot, Air Marshal Mishra is a seasoned aviator with over 3000 hours of flying experience. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune; the Air Force Test Pilots School, Bangalore; the Air Command and Staff College, USA; and the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. A Fighter Combat Leader and an experimental Test Pilot, he brings unparalleled expertise and operational acumen to his new role.
In a career spanning over 38 years, Air Marshal Mishra has held several key command and staff appointments, including:
- Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron
- Chief Test Pilot at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE)
- Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases
- Director (Operational Planning and Assessment Group)
- Principal Director (ASR)
- Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) at Air HQ (VB)
- Commandant of ASTE
- Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training)
- Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations)
His leadership and operational expertise are complemented by a strong academic and professional background, making him an ideal choice to helm the strategically critical Western Air Command.
For his exemplary service, Air Marshal Mishra has been honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
The Western Air Command, tasked with safeguarding key areas and conducting vital operations, is poised to benefit immensely from Air Marshal Mishra’s visionary leadership and vast experience. As he steps into this pivotal role, the Indian Air Force looks forward to continuing its legacy of operational excellence and readiness under his guidance.
