Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry takes charge as AOC-in-C of IAF Central Air Command

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 on June 1, 2026.

He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1989 and is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare, and the National Defence College.

During his long and distinguished career, Air Marshal Chaudhry has held several key operational, staff, and diplomatic assignments. Notably, he served as Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Sweden, with concurrent accreditation to Norway, Finland, and Denmark.

He has also worked in important roles at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and Air Headquarters, focusing on projects, acquisitions, and human resource management. Throughout his service, he has led multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing operational capability and introducing advanced technologies into the Indian Air Force.

Before taking over the Central Air Command, he served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Southern Air Command.

Air Marshal Chaudhry succeeds Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who superannuated on May 31, 2026, after completing 40 years of distinguished service to the nation.

The appointment marks a key leadership transition in one of the Indian Air Force’s crucial operational commands.