Meet Air Commodore Rohit Kapil: The IAF Commander Who Brought Down Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile in Operation Sindoor

Air Commodore Rohit Kapil stands as a beacon of dedication and valor in the Indian Air Force (IAF), embodying the spirit of service and professionalism that defines India's aerial defence forces. Commissioned as a fighter pilot in 1998, he has risen through the ranks with an illustrious career marked by over 3,500 hours of flying experience, command of frontline squadrons, and pivotal roles in high-stakes operations. 

His recent recognition with the Yudh Seva Medal underscores his critical contributions to national security, including leadership in missile interception missions. As Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of 45 Wing at Sirsa, Kapil continues to inspire a new generation of officers with his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Key points:

• Distinguished Career Milestone: Commissioned in June 1998, Kapil has accumulated over 3,500 flying hours and holds the prestigious Category ‘A’ Flying Instructor qualification, reflecting his expertise in fighter aviation.
• Awards and Honors: Recipient of the Yudh Seva Medal (2025) for distinguished service in conflict scenarios and the Vayu Sena Medal (2018) for exceptional devotion to duty, highlighting his operational prowess.
• Leadership Roles: Commands 45 Wing at Sirsa, previously led a Su-30MKI squadron, and spearheaded international training exercises, enhancing India's air defence capabilities.
• Operational Impact: Played a key role in intercepting a Pakistani ballistic missile targeted at Delhi using the Barak-8 system, demonstrating strategic acumen in air defence.
• Inspirational Figure: His journey exemplifies professionalism, making him a role model for aspiring IAF officers amid evolving security challenges.

Current Role in the Indian Air Force

As the Air Officer Commanding of 45 Wing at Sirsa, Air Commodore Rohit Kapil oversees critical air operations in a strategically vital region. This role involves managing frontline fighter squadrons, ensuring operational readiness, and coordinating air defence activities. Sirsa's location near the western border positions it as a key hub for rapid response missions, where Kapil's leadership has been instrumental in maintaining high alert status.

Military Awards and Recognitions

Kapil's decorated career includes prestigious honors that recognize his bravery and dedication.

Yudh Seva Medal

The Yudh Seva Medal is awarded for distinguished service of a high order during war, conflict, or hostilities. Air Commodore Kapil received this medal in 2025 for his exemplary planning of offensive operations and expertise in air defence. Notably, under his command, a Barak-8 surface-to-air missile successfully intercepted a Pakistani Fateh ballistic missile over Sirsa, preventing a potential strike on Delhi. This achievement highlights the medal's significance in honoring actions that safeguard national sovereignty.

Vayu Sena Medal

Awarded in 2018, the Vayu Sena Medal recognizes exceptional devotion to duty in peacetime. Kapil earned it for his leadership in operationalizing a resurrected squadron, achieving high aircraft serviceability, and excelling in international exercises. This medal underscores his commitment to enhancing the IAF's warfighting capabilities through meticulous training and innovation.

Career Path and Professional Milestones

Air Commodore Rohit Kapil was commissioned into the IAF's Flying Branch on June 20, 1998, as part of the 161st Course. His promotions reflect steady progress: Wing Commander in 2011 and Group Captain in 2017, culminating in his current rank. With over 3,500 flying hours on various aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, he has commanded frontline squadrons and served as a Flight Commander. As a Category ‘A’ Flying Instructor, Kapil has trained numerous pilots, contributing to the IAF's human resource development. He also completed the Advance Command and Staff Course in the UK, broadening his strategic expertise.

Air Commodore Rohit Kapil's journey in the Indian Air Force (IAF) exemplifies the blend of technical prowess, strategic vision, and unyielding patriotism that defines India's elite aviators. Born into a legacy of service though details of his early life remain private Kapil's career trajectory has been one of consistent excellence since his commissioning on June 20, 1998, as a fighter pilot in the Flying Branch during the 161st Course at the Air Force Academy. Over the decades, he has amassed more than 3,500 hours of operational flying on a diverse array of aircraft, including the formidable Su-30MKI multirole fighters, which form the backbone of India's air superiority. His qualifications as a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and completion of the Advance Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom have equipped him with both tactical and strategic insights, making him a multifaceted leader in modern aerial warfare.

In his current capacity as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of 45 Wing at Sirsa, Haryana, Kapil oversees a critical forward base equipped with advanced fighter assets and air defence systems. This role demands oversight of daily operations, maintenance of high readiness levels, and coordination with other branches of the armed forces. Sirsa's proximity to the Indo-Pakistani border amplifies its importance, where rapid deployment and interception capabilities are paramount. Under Kapil's stewardship, the wing has maintained exemplary operational tempo, contributing to the Western Air Command's overall effectiveness in safeguarding India's northwestern skies.

Kapil's military accolades are a testament to his extraordinary contributions. The Yudh Seva Medal, conferred upon him in 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu as part of the Independence Day honors, is reserved for distinguished service during active hostilities or conflict-like situations. This award recognizes his pivotal role in planning offensive air operations and demonstrating unparalleled expertise in air defence scenarios. A standout achievement was his command during the interception of a Pakistani Fateh (or variously reported as Shaheen-II) ballistic missile using the Israeli-origin Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system. The missile, allegedly targeted at Delhi, was neutralized over Sirsa, averting a major threat and showcasing the IAF's integrated air defence prowess. This operation not only prevented potential catastrophe but also validated India's investment in advanced missile defence technologies.

Complementing this is the Vayu Sena Medal, awarded to Kapil in 2018 for his devotion to duty in peacetime. Instituted to honor acts of courage or exceptional service outside of combat, it acknowledged his efforts in resurrecting and operationalizing a key squadron. He ensured aircraft serviceability rates remained exceptionally high, bolstering the unit's combat readiness. Additionally, his professional demeanor during international engagements further elevated the IAF's global standing.

Tracing his career path reveals a pattern of progressive responsibility and achievement. Post-commissioning, Kapil quickly distinguished himself as a skilled pilot, serving as Flight Commander in a premier operational squadron. By 2011, he was promoted to Wing Commander, and in 2017, to Group Captain, with his elevation to Air Commodore marking a natural progression. From March 2016, he commanded an operational frontline squadron, likely equipped with Su-30MKIs, where he honed his leadership in high-intensity environments. His flying instructor credentials have allowed him to mentor upcoming pilots, instilling rigorous standards that enhance overall force quality.

Kapil's contributions extend beyond domestic operations. He led the IAF contingent in joint military training exercises with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), fostering interoperability and sharing best practices in fighter tactics and maintenance. These exercises, often involving complex scenarios like air-to-air combat and joint patrols, have strengthened bilateral ties and improved the IAF's adaptability in multinational operations. Furthermore, his involvement in planning safe air operations from remote civil airfields in the eastern theater close to international borders demonstrated innovative use of infrastructure during potential contingencies. Kapil has also participated in international events, such as the arrival ceremony at Japan's Hyakuri Air Base, where he represented the IAF in exercises involving Su-30MKIs and transport aircraft.

His leadership style is characterized by a blend of strategic foresight, hands-on involvement, and emphasis on team empowerment. Colleagues and reports describe him as a leader who prioritizes operational efficiency while nurturing talent, as evidenced by his squadron revitalization efforts. In operational achievements, the missile interception stands out as a landmark event, illustrating his calm under pressure and ability to integrate advanced systems like Barak-8 with real-time intelligence. This not only thwarted an immediate threat but also boosted morale across the IAF, reinforcing trust in indigenous and allied defence technologies. His broader impact includes elevating squadron standards, which have cascading effects on the IAF's overall combat effectiveness, from enhanced training protocols to improved international collaborations.

In conclusion, Air Commodore Rohit Kapil's legacy is one of quiet heroism and profound influence. As a role model for young IAF officers, he exemplifies the values of discipline, innovation, and selfless service. His career inspires aspiring aviators to pursue excellence amid the complexities of modern warfare, ensuring the Indian Air Force remains a formidable guardian of the nation's skies.