Air Marshal PV Shivanand Appointed as Head of South Western Air Command

On July 1, 2026, Air Marshal PV Shivanand, AVSM, VM, officially took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC) of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Marshal Tejinder Singh.

Air Marshal Shivanand, who joined the Indian Air Force's fighter stream in December 1988, brings nearly 40 years of notable operational, command, and leadership experience to his new role.

Before this appointment, he served as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at the Headquarters Central Air Command, where he significantly contributed to improving operational readiness and capability enhancement.

Throughout his career, Air Marshal Shivanand has held numerous significant command and staff roles, building a reputation for professional excellence and strategic acumen. His new position at the helm of the South Western Air Command underscores the Indian Air Force's trust in his profound operational knowledge and leadership skills.

In his capacity as the Commander of one of the Indian Air Force's key operational commands, Air Marshal PV Shivanand will be responsible for overseeing air operations and ensuring combat preparedness across India's western sector. He will also lead efforts to boost operational readiness and develop future capabilities within the command.