Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra is a well-known former fighter pilot, combat leader, and experimental test pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF). His career spanned more than 38 years. From contributing to the operationalisation of laser-guided bombs during the Kargil War to commanding the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, he handled several important operational and strategic responsibilities in the Indian Air Force. In September 2026, he began a new chapter in his career as the first full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Early Life and Family
Jeetendra Mishra hails from Bhopatpura village in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh, around three hours by road from Ayodhya. He comes from a middle-class family, and his father was a lecturer. His journey from a modest background in eastern Uttar Pradesh to the highest levels of India's military establishment is an important part of his life story.
Education and Military Training
❀ National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune/Khadakwasla
❀ Air Force Academy, Dundigal
❀ Air Force Test Pilots School, Bengaluru
❀ Air Command and Staff College, USA
❀ Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom
Major Positions Held: His distinguished career included appointments such as:
❀ Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron
❀ Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE)
❀ Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Nashik
❀ Commander, 15 Wing, Air Force Station Bareilly
❀ Commander, 18 Wing, Air Force Station Pathankot
❀ Director, Operational Planning and Assessment Group
❀ Principal Director, Air Staff Requirements
❀ Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects)
❀ Commandant, ASTE
❀ Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff
❀ Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations)
❀ Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command
Operation Sindoor
On 1 January 2025, Mishra took charge of the Western Air Command, one of the Indian Air Force's most important operational commands. Just a few months later, following the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025. As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, Mishra was among the senior commanders responsible for operational planning and the deployment of aircraft and air-defence assets during India's military response. Most operational details remain classified. However, Mishra later spoke publicly about the importance of planning, precision, technology, and coordination during the operation.
Awards and Honours
Mishra received several important service honours during his distinguished military career.
🥇 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM)
He was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for distinguished service associated with Operation Sindoor. It is among India's highest wartime/distinguished-service honours for senior military leadership.
🥈 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
He was also awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for an exceptionally high order of distinguished service.
🥉 Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
Earlier in his career, he received the Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service.
Jeetendra Mishra – Complete Timeline
| 1983 | Joined the National Defence Academy |
| 6 December 1986 | Commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF |
| 1999 | Played a role in operationalizing laser-guided bombs on the Mirage 2000 during the Kargil War |
| 2000 | Held fighter, test pilot, instructional, and command assignments |
| 2010 | Selected to lead the Indian Air Force contingent for the multinational exercise 'Garuda IV' in France |
| 2010 | Served as Chief Test Pilot, operational planner, and in senior positions at Air Headquarters |
| 2013 | Awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal |
| 2019–20 | Involved in emergency procurements and major defense projects for the Air Force |
| 2023 | Appointed Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation, and Training) |
| 5 December 2023 | Assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) |
| 2024 | Awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal |
| 1 January 2025 | Appointed AOC-in-C of Western Air Command |
| May 2025 | Served as Chief of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor |
| 2025 | Awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal |
| 30 April 2026 | Retired from the Indian Air Force |
| 2 September 2026 | Appointed as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust |
| September 2026 | Assumed his new administrative role in Ayodhya |
Interesting Facts About Jeetendra Mishra
1. From Fighter Pilot to Temple Administrator
Mishra's journey from commanding fighter operations to taking on an administrative role associated with the Ram Temple represents a unique second chapter in his professional career.
2. More Than 3,000 Hours of Flying
During his career, he flew more than 3,000 hours across more than 18 different types of aircraft.
3. Expertise as a Test Pilot
He was not only a fighter pilot but also an experimental test pilot, placing him in one of the highly specialised fields of military aviation.
4. Connection with the Kargil War
His contribution to operationalising laser-guided weapons for the Mirage 2000 aircraft was an important technical aspect of India's air operations during the Kargil conflict.
5. Commander During Operation Sindoor
He served as the head of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor in 2025.
6. Prestigious Military Honour
He was honoured with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his leadership associated with Operation Sindoor.
7. First CEO of the Ram Temple Trust
On 2 September 2026, his appointment as the first CEO created a new executive-level administrative position within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Why Was He Chosen?
The position of CEO represents a new administrative layer for the Trust, as the scale of the Ram Temple complex and the number of devotees and visitors continue to grow. His military background is expected to help the Trust manage the increasingly complex administrative and organisational requirements associated with the temple.