Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s South Western Air Command (SWAC), visited Air Force Station Lonavla today, where he reviewed ongoing operational activities and met with station personnel. The visit was marked by recognition of the station’s role in the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, a recent precision strike operation targeting cross-border terrorist infrastructure.
With over 35 years of service and experience including a diplomatic tenure as Defence Attaché to Pakistan, Air Marshal Kapoor used the occasion to highlight the importance of technological advancement in India’s air defense systems. He stressed the need for strengthening the IAF’s communication architecture by integrating next-generation technologies through initiatives like the ₹1,077 crore Air Force Network (AFNet) project.
Launched in 2010 with support from HCL Technologies and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, AFNet has replaced the decades-old tropo-scatter system and laid the foundation for net-centric operations. Kapoor reaffirmed the IAF’s commitment to leveraging this infrastructure to improve coordination across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Air Marshal also reviewed infrastructure upgrades at the station and emphasized cybersecurity, interoperability, and mission readiness as priorities. He commended the air warriors for their professionalism and operational performance during recent missions, including strategic deployments under SWAC’s jurisdiction covering Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra.
The visit concluded with interactions that boosted morale among personnel and underscored the IAF leadership’s proactive approach to modernizing India’s aerial defense posture. Kapoor’s recent involvement in frontline activities, such as piloting a Su-30 MKI sortie, reflects a leadership style rooted in direct engagement and operational depth.
