Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, a highly decorated former Indian Air Force officer, has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. His new role involves the comprehensive management and development of the sacred Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya, marking a significant transition from a distinguished military career to a pivotal administrative position.
A Distinguished Military Career
Mishra's career in the Indian Air Force spanned nearly four decades, beginning with his commissioning into the fighter stream on December 6, 1986. Over this extensive period, he accumulated over 3,000 hours of flying experience across various aircraft, establishing himself as a highly skilled pilot and commander.
His professional development included elite institutions such as the National Defence Academy, the Air Force Test Pilots School, the Air Command and Staff College in the United States, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom. Mishra also earned qualifications as a Fighter Combat Leader and an experimental test pilot, underscoring his deep expertise in aviation and strategic operations.
Key Operational Roles and Leadership
During the Kargil War, then Squadron Leader Mishra played a critical role in Operation Safed Sagar, contributing to the integration and operational deployment of laser-guided bombs on Mirage 2000 aircraft. This experience highlighted his technical acumen and leadership under combat conditions.
His career further diversified within India's aviation sector, where he served as Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Nashik division and later at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. Mishra also held crucial appointments at Air Headquarters and led the Indian Air Force contingent during Exercise Garuda IV in France, showcasing his diplomatic and command capabilities on an international stage.
Commanding Western Air Command During Operation Sindoor
After achieving the rank of Air Marshal, Mishra held senior positions within the Integrated Defence Staff, including Deputy Chief of IDS for Doctrine, Organisation, Training, and Operations. On January 1, 2025, he assumed command as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, one of the IAF's most strategically vital commands.
In May 2025, during Operation Sindoor, Mishra was at the helm of the Western Air Command as India conducted military strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack. His exceptional leadership during this wartime operation earned him the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, one of India's highest military honors for distinguished service in conflict.
Leading the Ram Mandir Trust
In his new capacity as CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra will leverage his extensive experience in operational command, strategic planning, and organizational management to oversee the ongoing development and administration of the Ram Mandir complex. His appointment signals the Trust's commitment to robust and professional leadership for this monumental national project.