Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Training Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 01 January 2026. Upon assuming his new appointment, the Air Marshal paid homage to the bravehearts by laying a wreath at the Training Command War Memorial, reaffirming the IAF’s enduring respect for sacrifice and service.
Distinguished Career and Flying Credentials
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Air Marshal Shrinivas was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on 13 June 1987. A ‘Category A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, he brings with him over 4,200 hours of flying experience on a diverse range of aircraft, including MiG-21, Iskra, Kiran, PC-7 Mk II, HPT-32, and Microlite.
In addition, he is qualified as a second pilot on Chetak/Cheetah helicopters and is a categorised Operations Officer on the Pechora missile system, reflecting a rare blend of flying, rotary-wing, and air defence expertise.
Extensive Command Experience Across Training and Operations
Air Marshal Shrinivas has held several prestigious command appointments during his distinguished career, particularly in the training and operational domains:
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Commandant, Air Force Academy
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Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of a frontline fighter base on the Western border
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AOC of a premier flying training base
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AOC, Advance Headquarters Western Air Command (Jaipur)
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Commanding Officer, Flying Instructors School
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Commandant, Institute of Aerospace Safety
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Commanding Officer, Basic Flying Training School
These roles underscore his deep involvement in shaping the IAF’s flying training ecosystem and operational preparedness.
Key Staff and Instructional Appointments
In addition to command roles, Air Marshal Shrinivas has served in several critical staff and instructional capacities:
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Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel Officers)
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Chief Instructor (Flying), Air Force Academy
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Operations Staff, HQ Central Air Command
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Directing Staff, College of Air Warfare
Prior to assuming his current role, he served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters South Western Air Command (SWAC).
Academic Excellence and Professional Education
Air Marshal Shrinivas is a graduate of premier professional military institutions, including:
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National Defence College (NDC)
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College of Defence Management (CDM)
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Defence Services Staff College (DSSC)
His academic qualifications include:
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MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies
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Master of Management Studies
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MSc in Defence and Strategic Studies
This strong academic foundation complements his operational and instructional experience.
Decorations and Honours
In recognition of his meritorious and distinguished service, Air Marshal Shrinivas has been honoured by the Hon’ble President of India with:
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Vishisht Seva Medal (2017)
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Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2024)
These awards reflect his sustained contributions to training excellence, safety, and leadership within the Indian Air Force.
Conclusion
The assumption of charge by Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas as AOC-in-C, Training Command brings to the role a highly experienced instructor, commander, and strategist. With decades of hands-on involvement in flying training, operational command, and aerospace safety, his leadership is expected to further strengthen the IAF’s training philosophy, enhance flight safety standards, and prepare future air warriors to meet evolving operational challenges.
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Source: PIB
