Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal, AVSM and VM, assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command on November 1, 2026.
Commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream on June 14, 1989, Deswal has accumulated over 3,200 hours of flying experience on various fighter aircraft. He specialises in strike operations and air defence and is a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and National Defence College, he has held several important operational and staff appointments. These include commanding two air bases and a fighter squadron, serving as Air Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Pakistan, and heading the Directorate General of Weapon Systems at Air Headquarters.
Before his latest appointment, he served as Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters South Western Air Command. His distinguished service has been recognised with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.
