Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Takes Charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, IAF, Nagpur

Nagpur Updates June 2, 2024

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Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command IAF

On June 1, 2024, Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, AVSM, VSM, assumed the prestigious position of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Maintenance Command, Indian Air Force (IAF), in Nagpur. With an illustrious career spanning over 37 years, Air Marshal Garg brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

Early Career and Education

Engineering Foundations

Air Marshal Garg was commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch of the Indian Air Force on August 19, 1986. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Regional Engineering College, Bhopal. Further enhancing his technical prowess, he completed his M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where he was awarded the Air India Medal for achieving the top position in his course.

Specialized Training

Throughout his career, Air Marshal Garg has undergone extensive training, including on the Jaguar aircraft. Additionally, he is a Category ‘A’ Flight Engineer on the IL-76 aircraft, boasting over 2,000 flying hours.

Career Highlights

Key Positions Held

Air Marshal Garg’s distinguished career includes several pivotal roles:

Commanding Officer of an Air Defence Unit.
Instructional Tenure at the Air Force Technical College (AFTC).
Chief Engineering Officer of a premier flying base.
Director of Engineering for Western Transport aircraft fleets.
Principal Director Radar at Air Headquarters.
Command Engineering Officer of an Operational Command.
Air Officer Commanding of 5 Base Repair Depot (BRD).
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Engineering (Maintenance and Planning).
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Engineering (Transport and Helicopter).
Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at South Western Air Command.
Director General (Systems) at Air Headquarters.

Recent Role

Before his current appointment, Air Marshal Garg served as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Headquarters Maintenance Command (HQ MC), where he played a crucial role in overseeing maintenance operations and ensuring the operational readiness of the IAF’s fleet.

Awards and Recognitions

For his exemplary service, Air Marshal Garg has received numerous accolades, including:

Chief of Air Staff Commendations (twice).
Vishist Seva Medal (VSM) in 2013.
Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2023, awarded by the President of India.

Personal Life and Interests

An avid sportsman, Air Marshal Garg maintains a healthy balance between his professional responsibilities and personal interests. He is married to Mrs. Ritu Garg, and they are blessed with two sons.

Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg’s appointment as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Maintenance Command, IAF, Nagpur, is a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership. His extensive experience and outstanding service record will undoubtedly contribute to the continued excellence and operational efficiency of the Maintenance Command.

1. What branch of the Indian Air Force does Air Marshal Vijay Kumar belong to?

Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg belongs to the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch of the Indian Air Force.

2. What notable educational achievements does Air Marshal Vijay Kumar have?

He graduated from Regional Engineering College, Bhopal, in Mechanical Engineering and completed his M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Madras, receiving the Air India Medal for standing first in his course.

3. What are some key positions Air Marshal Vijay Kumar has held?

Some key positions include Commanding Officer of an Air Defence Unit, Director of Engineering for Western Transport aircraft fleets, and Director General (Systems) at Air Headquarters.