India News : Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Mishra previously served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command and was leading the command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025. During the operation, the Indian armed forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
What Was Jitendra Mishra’s Role in Operation Sindoor?
Jitendra Mishra took charge of the Western Air Command on January 1, 2025. Before that, he served as Deputy Chief of Operations at the Integrated Defence Staff.
The Western Air Command is responsible for air operations and the security of a strategically important stretch covering areas from Delhi to Siachen, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. During Operation Sindoor, Mishra was responsible for the command at the western front.
Mishra’s role during the operation included operational planning and coordination of air operations. He was also among the senior officers associated with India’s response during the conflict. He was later awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his service.
What Did Mishra Say About the S-400?
Mishra’s comments about the S-400 air defence system during Operation Sindoor also attracted considerable attention.
According to his account, whenever Pakistani aircraft took off, India’s S-400 system was ready to engage them. On one occasion, he said an S-400 operator sought permission to engage a target, and he gave the order.
Mishra said the target was destroyed at a distance of around 314 kilometres. Several reports have described this as one of the longest surface-to-air engagements reported during the operation.
More Than 3,000 Hours of Flying Experience
Jitendra Mishra joined the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1986. During his career, he accumulated more than 3,000 hours of flying experience.
He served as a Fighter Combat Leader and Experimental Test Pilot and held several important operational and command positions in the Air Force.
His career also included the Kargil War, during which he was associated with Operation Safed Sagar. He also contributed to the preparation of laser-guided bombs for the Mirage 2000 during the conflict.
Retired From Air Force in April 2026
Mishra was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal on January 1, 2023. He retired from the Indian Air Force in April 2026 after a career spanning more than three decades.
He has been decorated with the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his service.
Before his retirement, Mishra had also served in several senior positions, including at Air Headquarters and the Integrated Defence Staff.
Now Responsible for Ram Mandir Trust Administration
After retiring from the Air Force, Mishra has now taken up the responsibility of the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
His appointment brings his extensive military leadership and administrative experience to the management of the Ram Mandir Trust in Ayodhya.
The appointment also puts a former senior Air Force commander, who was at the helm of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, in charge of the temple trust’s administrative responsibilities.
