Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha assumes command of Western Air Command

New Delhi, Jan 2: Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha assumed command of the Indian Air Force's Western Air Command on Sunday (Jan 1).

The Air Marshal is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune and was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot in Jun 1985. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, said a press release by the Ministry of Defence. An experienced fighter pilot, Category 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor, fighter Striker Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner, Air Marshal Sinha has more than 4500 hours of flying experience, added the statement.

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In his service career spanning over 37 years, the Air Marshal has tenanted important command and staff appointments. These included Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron, Chief Instructor (Flying) at a flying station, Training Coordination Officer at Royal Air Force Valley, United Kingdom where he flew the Hawk aircraft, Principal Director Personnel Officers at Air Headquarters, Air Officer Commanding of a prestigious Air Force Station, Air Assistant to Chief of the Air Staff and Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Offensive) at Air Headquarters.

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He is the Commodore Commandant of a premier fighter Sqn and was Director of General of Air Operations at Air Headquarters prior to taking over the present appointment. The Air Officer is a recipient of 'Vishist Seva Medal' and 'Ati Vishist Seva Medal'. Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha succeeds Air Marshal S Prabhakaran who superannuated on 31 December 2022 after putting in more than 39 years of distinguished service in the IAF.