New Delhi/IBNS: Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command on 01 January 2023, according to an IAF press communique.

Air Marshal Sinha graduated from National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune and was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot in Jun 1985.

Later, he trained at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.

An experienced fighter pilot, Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Striker Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner, Air Marshal Sinha has more than 4500 hours of flying experience.

In his service career spanning over 37 years, Air Marshal Sinha worked on important command and staff appointments and received ‘Vishist Seva Medal’ and ‘Ati Vishist Seva Medal.

He served as the Commodore Commandant of a premier fighter Sqn and Director General Air Operations at Air Headquarters prior to taking over the present appointment.

Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha succeeds Air Marshal S Prabhakaran who superannuated on 31 December 2022 after putting in more than 39 years of distinguished service in the IAF.