Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry Takes Charge of Central Air Command

Commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1989, Air Marshal Chaudhry has built an illustrious career marked by a series of key operational and leadership appointments.

Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, AVSM, VSM, has assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force's Central Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who retired on 31 May 2026 after four decades of distinguished service to the nation.

A highly experienced fighter pilot and senior military leader, Air Marshal Chaudhry brings with him extensive operational, staff and diplomatic experience gained over more than three decades of service in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Distinguished Career Spanning More Than Three Decades

Commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1989, Air Marshal Chaudhry has built an illustrious career marked by a series of key operational and leadership appointments.

He is an alumnus of several prestigious military institutions, including the National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and the National Defence College. His professional education and extensive service experience have equipped him with expertise across operational planning, strategic management and defence administration.

Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to the growth and modernization of the Indian Air Force through a variety of command and staff roles.

Key Operational, Staff and Diplomatic Assignments

Air Marshal Chaudhry has held several important appointments in India and abroad during his service.

Among his notable diplomatic assignments was his tenure as Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Sweden, where he was concurrently accredited to Norway, Finland and Denmark. This role helped strengthen defence cooperation and military relations between India and the Nordic countries.

He has also served in critical staff positions at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and Air Headquarters, where he specialised in projects, acquisition planning and human resource management.

These assignments provided him with extensive experience in defence procurement, capability development and organisational management within the armed forces.

Leading Modernisation and Future Capability Development

During his career, Air Marshal Chaudhry has played a pivotal role in driving several transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

He has been closely associated with projects focused on capability enhancement, modernisation and the induction of future technologies into the service. His contributions have supported the IAF's efforts to maintain technological superiority and operational readiness in an evolving security environment.

Before taking over as the head of Central Air Command, he was serving as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Southern Air Command, one of the Indian Air Force's key operational commands.

His experience in both operational and strategic domains is expected to further strengthen the effectiveness of Central Air Command, which plays a vital role in safeguarding India's airspace and supporting national security objectives.

Succeeds Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan

Air Marshal Chaudhry succeeds Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who superannuated on 31 May 2026 after completing 40 years of distinguished and dedicated service in the Indian Air Force.

During his tenure, Air Marshal Manikantan made significant contributions to the service and national defence, leaving behind a strong legacy of leadership and professionalism.

With the appointment of Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, the Indian Air Force continues its focus on operational excellence, modernization and preparedness to meet future security challenges. His vast experience in fighter operations, strategic planning, international defence cooperation and force development is expected to contribute significantly to the command's mission and capabilities in the years ahead.