Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed the first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the organisation responsible for overseeing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The decision was taken at the Trust’s meeting in Ayodhya on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Mishra brings with him more than 38 years of Indian Air Force service, including senior operational, strategic and testing assignments. He retired on April 30, 2026, after serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Western Air Command.
His appointment also comes at a significant time for the temple Trust, which has been working to strengthen its administrative structure following a controversy involving alleged irregularities related to donations. Reports said the CEO selection process received 5,585 applications, from which a final shortlist of three candidates was prepared.
Who Is Jeetendra Mishra?
Jeetendra Mishra is a decorated former Indian Air Force fighter pilot who rose to the rank of Air Marshal. He was commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream on December 6, 1986.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Mishra accumulated more than 3,000 hours of flying experience during a career spanning over 38 years. He served as a fighter pilot, fighter combat leader and experimental test pilot and held several senior command and staff positions.
He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Pune, Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru, Air Command and Staff College in the United States and Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.
Jeetendra Mishra’s 38-Year IAF Career
Mishra’s career included a combination of flying, operational command, testing and strategic assignments.
The Ministry of Defence has listed among his major appointments his service as the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases and senior positions at Air Headquarters.
He also served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) before taking command of the Western Air Command.
As a senior officer, Mishra commanded 15 Wing at Air Force Station Bareilly and 18 Wing at Air Force Station Pathankot, and also served in senior roles involving air staff requirements, projects and operational planning.
When Did Jeetendra Mishra Become Western Air Command Chief?
Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command on January 1, 2025. The Ministry of Defence confirmed his appointment at the time, noting his extensive operational and command experience.
The Western Air Command is one of the IAF’s key operational commands, with responsibility for major air assets and bases across India’s northern and western sectors. Mishra remained its AOC-in-C until his retirement on April 30, 2026.
Jeetendra Mishra’s Role In Operation Sindoor
One of the most significant chapters of Mishra’s career came in Operation Sindoor in May 2025. He was serving as the AOC-in-C of the Western Air Command when India launched the military operation following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. His command was therefore involved in the operational response during the conflict.
Mishra was subsequently among the senior military officers honoured with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for their roles during Operation Sindoor.
The official government list of awardees includes Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, AVSM, VSM, among the seven recipients of the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal associated with Operation Sindoor.
The award recognised exceptional service during wartime or conflict and was presented as part of the 2025 Independence Day honours.
What Is The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal?
The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal is a prestigious Indian military decoration awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order during wartime, conflict or hostilities.
Mishra was one of four Air Force officers among the seven senior military leaders named for the honour in connection with Operation Sindoor. The official government list confirms his inclusion. His other major military decorations include the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
Jeetendra Mishra’s Kargil War Link
Mishra’s military experience dates back well before Operation Sindoor.
During the 1999 Kargil conflict, when he was serving as a Squadron Leader, he was part of a team involved in operationalising laser-guided bombs on Mirage 2000 aircraft.
The weapons were subsequently used during Indian Air Force operations, including attacks associated with Tiger Hill and Muntho Dhalo, as part of Operation Safed Sagar, the IAF’s campaign during the Kargil War.
This experience added a significant technical and operational dimension to Mishra’s career, alongside his later command responsibilities.
Fighter Pilot And Test Pilot Experience
Mishra’s background extends beyond conventional command appointments.
The Ministry of Defence describes him as a fighter combat leader and experimental test pilot, with more than 3,000 flying hours. His career included work at ASTE, one of the IAF’s key institutions for aircraft and systems testing.
He also held senior responsibilities in operational planning and assessment at Air Headquarters and later served as Commandant of ASTE.
His combination of flying experience, testing expertise and operational command became a defining feature of his nearly four-decade military career.
Why Was Jeetendra Mishra Chosen As Ram Mandir Trust CEO?
Mishra’s appointment comes as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust moves towards a more structured administrative setup.
According to reports, the Trust received 5,585 applications for the CEO position. After several stages of scrutiny and interaction, three candidates were shortlisted before Mishra was selected.
His extensive experience in large-scale administration, operational planning, coordination and leadership is expected to be relevant to the Trust’s expanding responsibilities.
The CEO role is intended to provide dedicated full-time leadership for the Trust’s administrative and operational functions.
What Will Jeetendra Mishra Do As Ram Mandir Trust CEO?
As the first full-time CEO, Mishra will be responsible for the Trust’s executive and administrative functioning.
Reports indicate that the position involves overseeing areas connected with the temple’s administration, operations, statutory responsibilities, financial management and compliance.
The appointment is therefore significant not simply because of Mishra’s military background, but also because it represents an effort to establish a dedicated professional executive structure for the institution managing the Ram Mandir complex.
Jeetendra Mishra: Key Facts At A Glance
|
Detail |
Information |
|
Name |
Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra |
|
New Role |
First Full-Time CEO, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust |
|
IAF Commission |
December 6, 1986 |
|
Military Service |
More than 38 years |
|
Flying Experience |
More than 3,000 hours |
|
Former Command |
Western Air Command |
|
WAC Tenure |
January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026 |
|
Operation Sindoor |
Western Air Command chief |
|
Major Honour |
Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal |
|
Other Honours |
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal |
|
Kargil Link |
Part of team that operationalised laser-guided bombs on Mirage 2000 |
|
Retirement |
April 30, 2026 |
Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra’s appointment as the first full-time CEO of the Ram Mandir Trust marks a notable transition from a nearly four-decade military career to a major administrative role.
From flying and test-pilot assignments to senior IAF command, the Kargil-era operationalisation of laser-guided weapons and leadership of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, Mishra brings extensive experience in command, planning and institutional management to his new position.
His immediate challenge will be to apply that experience to the administration and expanding responsibilities of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust as the Ayodhya temple complex develops further.
