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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