Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra, selected as the first CEO of the Ram Temple Trust, was the chief of the Indian Air Force’s Western Command during Operation Sindoor. Mishra retired on April 30, 2026, as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, West Air Command, after serving for nearly 40 years. Earlier, he served as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).&nbsp;He was among the senior military commanders recognised for leadership during Operation Sindoor. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on him in recognition of his distinguished service during the operation. The medal is awarded for the highest order of distinguished service during war, conflict or hostilities and remains one of India’s rarest military decorations.&nbsp;His other honours include the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), awarded in 2024, and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), awarded in 2013.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-trust-gets-its-first-ceo-retired-air-marshal-jeetendra-mishra-chosen-for-the-post-1788347131019">Ram Temple Trust gets its first CEO; retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra chosen for the post</a><h2>Commissioned as a fighter pilot in December 1986</h2>&nbsp;Air Marshal (Retired) Mishra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune; Air Force Test Pilots School, Bangalore; Air Command and Staff College, USA; and the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.&nbsp;Mishra’s appointment brings to the Ram Temple Trust someone with extensive experience in operational planning, coordination, logistics and managing large formations.&nbsp;In a recent podcast interview, Mishra shared details about the air campaign during Operation Sindoor and explained how Indian forces identified and struck targets deep inside Pakistan. He described how a target located around 314 km away was destroyed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shakti-sharma-scripts-history-as-first-woman-non-medical-air-vice-marshal-1788291494631">Shakti Sharma scripts history as first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal</a><h2>Operationalised laser-guided bombs used in Kargil War</h2>&nbsp;Mishra accumulated over 3,000 hours of flying experience in service and flew more than 18 types of fighter and transport aircraft and helicopters while serving as a fighter pilot, fighter combat leader and experimental test pilot.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a Squadron Leader, Mishra was part of the team that operationalised laser-guided bombs on Mirage 2000 aircraft at the beginning of the Kargil War. The weapons were later used in attacks on Tiger Hill and Muntho Dhalo during Operation Safed Sagar.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mishra has roots in Uttar Pradesh and hails from Bhopatpura in Deoria district.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-tunnel-rescue-team-makes-progress-at-chilime-langtang-hydropower-sites-in-nepal-1788277838900">Indian tunnel rescue team makes progress at Chilime, Langtang hydropower sites in Nepal</a>&nbsp;Air Marshal (Retired) Mishra’s appointment as Ram Temple Trust CEO is part of the structural changes following the donation theft in Ayodhya. Eight people, mostly linked to the counting of donations, have been arrested and face legal proceedings.&nbsp;<h2>As CEO, Mishra will be the highest executive authority of Trust</h2>&nbsp;As the CEO, he will serve as the highest executive authority and will have to ensure efficient management of the trust’s current activities and future development and ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and Trust Deed requirements.He will oversee the daily administrative, operational, and security frameworks of the 70-acre Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex.&nbsp;According to the Trust, the CEO will have the responsibility to develop systems, procedures, and operational practices appropriate to the nature and scale of the organisation and build and strengthen the organisational structure in accordance with the objectives, nature, and size of the institution.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-retaliatory-strikes-with-missiles-and-drones-iranian-media-1788294861231">Iran launches retaliatory strikes with missiles and drones; Trump warns of ‘much harder’ attack</a>&nbsp;The three-member selection committee comprised retired Justice Pramod Kohli, Lt Gen (retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Haware. Between July 11 and 18, the selection panel received 5,585 applications.&nbsp;<h2>Govinddev Giri to be general secretary, Bhagchandka treasurer</h2>&nbsp;Besides, the Trust named Mahesh Bhagchandka from Delhi, former additional advocate general Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya and Nirmala Yadav as new trustees.&nbsp;It was also announced that Maharaj Govinddev Giri will be the new general secretary of the trust, while Mahesh Bhagchandka will take over as the new treasurer.&nbsp;Krishna Mohan, who was appointed the interim general secretary of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust after the resignation of Champat Rai will cease to hold the post.

Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra’s appointment brings in someone with extensive experience in operational planning, coordination, logistics and managing large formations. He will oversee the daily administrative, operational, and security frameworks of the 70-acre Ram Temple complex.

Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra, selected as the first CEO of the Ram Temple Trust, was the chief of the Indian Air Force’s Western Command during Operation Sindoor. Mishra retired on April 30, 2026, as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, West Air Command, after serving for nearly 40 years. Earlier, he served as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations). He was among the senior military commanders recognised for leadership during Operation Sindoor. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on him in recognition of his distinguished service during the operation. The medal is awarded for the highest order of distinguished service during war, conflict or hostilities and remains one of India’s rarest military decorations. His other honours include the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), awarded in 2024, and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), awarded in 2013. Also Read: Ram Temple Trust gets its first CEO; retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra chosen for the post Commissioned as a fighter pilot in December 1986 Air Marshal (Retired) Mishra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune; Air Force Test Pilots School, Bangalore; Air Command and Staff College, USA; and the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. Mishra’s appointment brings to the Ram Temple Trust someone with extensive experience in operational planning, coordination, logistics and managing large formations. In a recent podcast interview, Mishra shared details about the air campaign during Operation Sindoor and explained how Indian forces identified and struck targets deep inside Pakistan. He described how a target located around 314 km away was destroyed. Also Read: Shakti Sharma scripts history as first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal Operationalised laser-guided bombs used in Kargil War Mishra accumulated over 3,000 hours of flying experience in service and flew more than 18 types of fighter and transport aircraft and helicopters while serving as a fighter pilot, fighter combat leader and experimental test pilot. As a Squadron Leader, Mishra was part of the team that operationalised laser-guided bombs on Mirage 2000 aircraft at the beginning of the Kargil War. The weapons were later used in attacks on Tiger Hill and Muntho Dhalo during Operation Safed Sagar. Mishra has roots in Uttar Pradesh and hails from Bhopatpura in Deoria district. Also Read: Indian tunnel rescue team makes progress at Chilime, Langtang hydropower sites in Nepal Air Marshal (Retired) Mishra’s appointment as Ram Temple Trust CEO is part of the structural changes following the donation theft in Ayodhya. Eight people, mostly linked to the counting of donations, have been arrested and face legal proceedings. As CEO, Mishra will be the highest executive authority of Trust As the CEO, he will serve as the highest executive authority and will have to ensure efficient management of the trust’s current activities and future development and ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and Trust Deed requirements. He will oversee the daily administrative, operational, and security frameworks of the 70-acre Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex. According to the Trust, the CEO will have the responsibility to develop systems, procedures, and operational practices appropriate to the nature and scale of the organisation and build and strengthen the organisational structure in accordance with the objectives, nature, and size of the institution. Also Read: Iran launches retaliatory strikes with missiles and drones; Trump warns of ‘much harder’ attack The three-member selection committee comprised retired Justice Pramod Kohli, Lt Gen (retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Haware. Between July 11 and 18, the selection panel received 5,585 applications. Govinddev Giri to be general secretary, Bhagchandka treasurer Besides, the Trust named Mahesh Bhagchandka from Delhi, former additional advocate general Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya and Nirmala Yadav as new trustees. It was also announced that Maharaj Govinddev Giri will be the new general secretary of the trust, while Mahesh Bhagchandka will take over as the new treasurer. Krishna Mohan, who was appointed the interim general secretary of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust after the resignation of Champat Rai will cease to hold the post.

Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra’s appointment brings in someone with extensive experience in operational planning, coordination, logistics and managing large formations. He will oversee the daily administrative, operational, and security frameworks of the 70-acre Ram Temple complex.

Ram Temple’s first CEO Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (Retd.) is a Kargil veteran, helmed West Command during Op Sindoor

Former Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, in an interview with ANI, claimed that Pakistan turned to spy sleeper cells and spies within Indian territory to spot the location of India's S-400 air defence systems during the May 2025 hostilities between the two nations. He claimed that because of the critical role of the S-400, Pakistani jets could not come within 200 metres of the Indian border.“Pakistanis were desperate to find where these S-400s were. They used every available means. They were also getting satellite help from other nations. Every time they (Pakistan) got airborne, they were shot by an S-400. The S-400 was the biggest threat as far as they were concerned. They also activated spies and sleeper cells within India to find out where the S-400s were located," said Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra. He served as the Chief of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor.The Russian-designed S-400 is considered one of the world's most advanced long range surface to missile systems. It is considered among the most powerful air defence platforms in the world. It is designed to detect, track and engage a range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, surveillance platforms, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. In 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion agreement with Russia for five S-400 systems. Renamed the “Sudarshan Chakra”, three systems have already been delivered and integrated into the IAF. A fourth squadron was delivered in June 2026. It proved highly effective in Operation Sindoor, despite Western analysts downplaying the system's capability.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-rusuwa-flash-flood-china-construction-allegations-1787848288918">Nepali journalists allege Chinese Xiaokang settlements triggered Nepal flash floods in Rasuwa</a>Mishra also added that the Adampur Air Force Station came under attack because Pakistan believed that it was associated with the deployment of S-400 systems.&nbsp;Mishra also highlighted the success of the BrahMos missile. “In our self-reliance push, BrahMos is a major push. The most successful indigenous missile. After Op Sindoor, a lot of other nations were trying to buy it," he said.it turned into a game-changing offensive weapon during Operation Sindoor and dismantled traditional assumptions regarding the penetrative power of modern supersonic cruise missiles against densely layered, Chinese-supplied air defence systems.“It goes up to 14-15 km up, accelerates to supersonic speed; it is difficult to intercept it. When it is coming down, it accelerates to Mach 3 speed, impossible to intercept," Mishra said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Western Air Command chief Jitendra Mishra claims Pakistan used spies and sleeper cells to locate India’s S-400 air defence systems during Operation Sindoor.

Former Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, in an interview with ANI, claimed that Pakistan turned to spy sleeper cells and spies within Indian territory to spot the location of India's S-400 air defence systems during the May 2025 hostilities between the two nations. He claimed that because of the critical role of the S-400, Pakistani jets could not come within 200 metres of the Indian border. “Pakistanis were desperate to find where these S-400s were. They used every available means. They were also getting satellite help from other nations. Every time they (Pakistan) got airborne, they were shot by an S-400. The S-400 was the biggest threat as far as they were concerned. They also activated spies and sleeper cells within India to find out where the S-400s were located," said Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra. He served as the Chief of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor. The Russian-designed S-400 is considered one of the world's most advanced long range surface to missile systems. It is considered among the most powerful air defence platforms in the world. It is designed to detect, track and engage a range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, surveillance platforms, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. In 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion agreement with Russia for five S-400 systems. Renamed the “Sudarshan Chakra”, three systems have already been delivered and integrated into the IAF. A fourth squadron was delivered in June 2026. It proved highly effective in Operation Sindoor, despite Western analysts downplaying the system's capability. Also Read: Nepali journalists allege Chinese Xiaokang settlements triggered Nepal flash floods in Rasuwa Mishra also added that the Adampur Air Force Station came under attack because Pakistan believed that it was associated with the deployment of S-400 systems. Mishra also highlighted the success of the BrahMos missile. “In our self-reliance push, BrahMos is a major push. The most successful indigenous missile. After Op Sindoor, a lot of other nations were trying to buy it," he said. it turned into a game-changing offensive weapon during Operation Sindoor and dismantled traditional assumptions regarding the penetrative power of modern supersonic cruise missiles against densely layered, Chinese-supplied air defence systems. “It goes up to 14-15 km up, accelerates to supersonic speed; it is difficult to intercept it. When it is coming down, it accelerates to Mach 3 speed, impossible to intercept," Mishra said.

Former Western Air Command chief Jitendra Mishra claims Pakistan used spies and sleeper cells to locate India’s S-400 air defence systems during Operation Sindoor.

Pakistan activated spies, sleeper cells to hunt for India’s S-400 in Operation Sindoor: Former Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra

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Ram Temple’s first CEO Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (Retd.) is a Kargil veteran, helmed West Command during Op Sindoor

Pakistan activated spies, sleeper cells to hunt for S-400 in Operation Sindoor