Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra has been selected as the first chief executive officer of the Ram Temple Trust from a list of over 5,000 applicants. The former officer held several commanding positions in the Indian Air Force and was the chief of its Western Command during Operation Sindor.
Who is Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra?
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) is a retired air officer of the Indian Air Force. He served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command.
Group Captain Jeetendra Mishra (18575) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on December 6, 1986. He is a Fighter Combat Leader, a Test Pilot and an alumnus of Air Command and Staff College, Air University, United States of America.
He has held the appointments of Senior Test Flying Instructor at the Air Force Test Pilots' School, Commanding Officer of a MiG 21 squadron, Chief Test Pilot of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Director (Projects) for Aircraft Upgrades, Chief Operatioris Officer of a Su 30 MKI operating airbase and is presently the Director, Operational Planning and Assessment Group at Air Headquarters.
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra served as the Chief of the Western Air Force Command. He also played a key role in Operation Sindoor. He retired on April 30, 2026.
As the Commanding Officer, his insightful planning and leadership ensured an extremely high serviceability of the MiG 21 aircraft resulting in a very high operational readiness of the unit despite the fleets' vintage.
As the Chief Test Pilot his dedicated efforts and professionalism resulted in extremely high standards of newly produced Su 30 MKI aircraft and timely completion of the production targets despite numerous roadblocks and obstructions.
As Director (Projects) his personal involvement, planning and commitment resulted in timely fructification of many prestigious projects, including the Su 30 MKI Block IV and BrahMos integration projects to name a few.
As the Chief Operations Officer his untiring efforts resulted in a marked improvement in the operational environment of the base in addition to increment in safety and quantum of flying.
In Jun 10 the officer was also selected to lead the Indian Air Force contingent for multinational air exercise Garuda IV in France. It was entirely due to his meticulous planning, foresight and leadership that the exercise was conducted smoothly, without any shortcomings whatsoever. This exceptionally conducted multinational exercise not only raised the bar in the defence cooperation among the participating nations but also left an indelible imprint of Indian Air Force's professionalism on the other two air forces.
In his present appointment the officer has displayed exceptional operational acumen both in single and interservice scenarios. His professionalism, sense of purpose and dedication has resulted in revision of many operational philosophies and strategies, streamlining of operational procedures and updation of operational directives of the Air Force.
His relentless and focused efforts, single minded dedication and result oriented approach to his responsibilities have resulted in successful conduct of many national and international exercises, finalisation of some critical and sensitive inter-services operational plans and successful resolution of many inter-services issues in the two years of his current tenure.
Earlier in the day, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust got three new trustees as part of the administrative reshuffle of the Ram Temple. The new trustees included Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya resident Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad.
Mahesh Bhagchandka is reportedly a relative of late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal. His appointment, along with those of Pandey and Yadav, was discussed during an important meeting of the Ram Temple Trust.