Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deshwal becomes Eastern Air Command Chief

According to a PIB Delhi report, Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deshwal (AVSM, VM) assumed appointment as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force on 1 November 2026.

Air Marshal Deshwal was commissioned into the flying branch of the Air Force as a fighter pilot on 14 June 1989. He has a flying experience of over 3200 hours on various fighter aircraft. He is a specialist in strike aircraft and air defence roles, and is also a qualified pilot attack instructor. He has studied from the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the National Defence College.

During his career, he has held several field and staff appointments, including Air Officer Commanding of two flying bases and Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron. He was also posted as Air Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Pakistan. At Air Headquarters, he has served as Director General (Weapon Systems). Before becoming the chief of the Eastern Air Command, he was functioning as Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at HO SWAC.

Recognising his distinguished services, Air Marshal Deshwal has been decorated with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vayu Sena Medal (VM).