Appointments 02 November 2026
Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal Assumes Charge as Eastern Air Command Chief
Why in the News?
Air Marshal **Mehtab Singh Deswal** assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force’s **Eastern Air Command (EAC)** on November 1, 2026.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Service Record & Background:
- Commissioned into the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on June 14, 1989.
- Has logged over **3,200 hours of flying experience** across various fighter aircraft.
- Expertise & Medals:
- Specialist in strike aircraft operations and air defence roles, and serves as a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor.
- Awarded the **Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)** and **Vayu Sena Medal (VM)** for distinguished military service.
Static GK Facts:
- Eastern Air Command (EAC):
- Established: **1939** (Re-formed in 1959).
- Headquarters: **Shillong, Meghalaya**.
- Motto: *"Samarthyamabhayam"* (*Capacity creates fearlessness*).
- Primary Area of Responsibility: Safeguarding India's eastern airspace along strategic northeastern frontiers.
- Indian Air Force (IAF):
- Formed: **October 8, 1932** | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.
- Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): **Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit** (29th CAS).
- Motto: *"Nabhah Sprisham Deeptam"* (*Touch the Sky with Glory*).
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Who has assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of IAF's Eastern Air Command (EAC)?
A: Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal
Q: Where is the headquarters of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command located?
A: Shillong, Meghalaya
Q: What operational qualifications and awards does Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal hold?
A: Qualified Pilot Attack Instructor; awarded AVSM and VM
Q: Who is the current 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force?
A: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
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