Rajesh Kumar

Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC is a former officer in the Indian Air Force. He last served as the Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command. He assumed office on 31 January 2021 following the retirement of Air Marshal Navkaranjit Singh Dhillon. Previously he served as AOC-in-C in Central Air Command and SASO in Eastern Air Command. He superannuated on 31 August 2021.

Early life and education Kumar is an alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He is a graduate from Air Command and Staff College at Montgomery, Alabama. He has also undergone the Higher Defence Management Course at the College of Defence Management at Secunderabad.

Career Kumar was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 4 June 1982. He has commanded a fighter aircraft squadron and a front-line air base. He is a category A flying instructor, instrument rating instructor and an air crew examiner.

Awards and medals During 36 years of his career, Kumar has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2021, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2019, and the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry in operation parakram.

Param Vishisht Seva MedalAti Vishisht Seva MedalVayu Sena Medal

Personal life Rajesh Kumar is married to Jaya Kumar. They have 2 sons.