Sanjeev Kapoor

Early life and education Sanjeev Kapoor is an alumnus of Rashtriya Military School Chail, National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, Flying Instructor School and College of Defence Management.

He is one of the stalwarts in Aerial Refueling Operations of the Indian Air Force and has flown the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. He had commanded the only Air to Air Refueling squadron No.78 Squadron of the Indian Air Force and has commanded a large operational base with strategic assets.

In his career spanning over three decades, he has held important staff appointments such as director (air-to-air refueling) and principal director (operations) at Air Headquarters. He has vast experience in high-altitude and VVIP flying, air-to-air refuelling and combat operations.

He served as the commandant – Air Force Academy from 1 August 2021 to 31 October 2021.

He superannuated on 30 November 2023 and was succeeded by Air Marshal Markand Ranade.

Honours and decorations During his career, Sanjeev Kapoor has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Ati Vishisht Seva MedalVayusena Medal