Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal takes over the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command
1 November 2026
Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal has assumed office as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the National Defence College, he was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 14 June 1989.
He has flown over 3200 hours on fighter aircraft and is a qualified pilot attack instructor.
He has commanded a fighter squadron and two flying bases, and served as Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in Pakistan.
He was also Director General (Weapon Systems) at Air Headquarters.
Just before this, he was Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command headquarters.
He holds the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal.
In plain words
AOC-in-C Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief — The officer who heads one of the Indian Air Force's commands.
SASO Senior Air Staff Officer — The second-in-command at an IAF command headquarters.
AVSM Ati Vishisht Seva Medal — A peacetime award for distinguished service of a high order.