Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal took over as Air Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief (AOC‑in‑C) of the IAF’s Eastern Air Command on 1 November 2026, a key leadership change for the security of the eastern skies.

According to PIB, Deswal was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on 14 June 1989 and has logged more than 3,200 hours on a variety of combat aircraft. He is a strike aircraft and air‑defence specialist and a qualified pilot attack instructor.

Professional background

His career includes command of two air bases, a fighter squadron command appointment and the role of Air Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Pakistan. He has also served as Director General (Weapons Systems) at Air Headquarters. Prior to taking over Eastern Air Command, he was Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) in the South‑Western Air Command.

The Ministry of Defence says he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal.

Your work details

  • Date of assumption of office: 1 November 2026
  • Post: Air Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief, Eastern Air Command
  • Primary responsibility: Defence and operational oversight of the air space over eastern India
  • Contact: Indian Air Force Public Relations Department (website or helpline, if available)