Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, AVSM, VSM, has been appointed as the new Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance of the Indian Air Force on 1 September 2025. Know his career, achievements, and exam-relevant details.
Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia Takes Charge as IAF’s Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance
Assumption of Office and Tribute
On 1 September 2025, Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, AVSM, VSM, officially assumed charge as the Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) at the Indian Air Force Headquarters. In a solemn gesture, he commemorated the supreme sacrifices of Indian armed forces by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial
Distinguished Career and Technical Credentials
Commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering stream of the IAF in September 1988, Air Marshal Ghuratia brings 37 years of expertise to his new role He is an alumnus of premier institutions, including the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Air Force Test Pilot School, Bengaluru, and Air Force Technical College, Bengaluru . Holding degrees from GEC Jabalpur, BITS Pilani, Madras University, and a Doctorate from Bhopal University, he also holds fellowships and memberships with globally recognized aeronautical and engineering societies
Role and Prior Experience
Previously serving as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ Maintenance Command, Air Marshal Ghuratia’s new appointment places him as one of the Principal Staff Officers at Air HQ, overseeing maintenance policy, planning, logistics, and operational readiness
Recognitions and Family
His exemplary service has earned him the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2016 and the prestigious Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2025 During his UN mission in the Congo, he was commended by the UN Force Commander . Married to Mrs. Archana, the couple is blessed with two daughters
B) Why This News Is Important
Significance for Defence Aspirants
The appointment of Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia as AOM is pivotal for students preparing for defence services exams (like AFCAT, CDS). The role is crucial for ensuring the operational readiness and maintenance infrastructure of the IAF—a backbone of India’s aerial defence strategy.
Strategic Implications
India’s ongoing modernization of its air fleet and emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence systems underscores the need for experienced leadership at the helm of IAF maintenance. Air Marshal Ghuratia’s technical acumen and leadership are expected to shape maintenance strategies that align with contemporary operational demands
Relevance to Civil Services Exams
For civil service aspirants (like IAS/IPS), this appointment reflects important civil-military coordination trends and highlights institutional resilience and planning in national security frameworks. Maintenance logistics play a vital role in defense policies—a topic commonly tested in General Studies.
C) Historical Context
Background of the AOM Role
The Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) is a senior-level Principal Staff Officer at Air HQ, responsible for all facets of maintenance and logistics critical to IAF’s operational capability
Evolution of the Post
Since India’s independence, the AOM role has evolved from its colonial-era origins under the British RAF to a highly specialized Indian leadership position overseeing maintenance policy, asset management, and logistical support.
Legacy and Predecessors
Before Air Marshal Ghuratia, Air Marshal Ajay Kumar Arora held the position until January 2025; subsequently, Air Marshal Venkataramanan Rajasekhar occupied the role as of February 2025
D) Key Takeaways from “Air Marshal Ghuratia’s Appointment”
Key Takeaways from This News
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia assumed charge as IAF’s Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance on 1 September 2025. |
| 2 | He brings 37 years of experience and strong technical and academic background in aeronautical engineering. |
| 3 | His responsibilities include oversight of IAF maintenance, logistics, policy, and operational readiness. |
| 4 | Decorated with the Vishisht Seva Medal (2016) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), he has also served in a UN mission. |
| 5 | The AOM role is central to India’s defense preparedness and modernization efforts, making this appointment significant for exam aspirants. |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Who is the new Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) of the Indian Air Force?
A1. Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, AVSM, VSM, has been appointed as the new Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) at IAF Headquarters from 1 September 2025.
Q2. When was Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia commissioned into the IAF?
A2. He was commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering branch of the IAF in September 1988.
Q3. Which medals and recognitions has Air Marshal Ghuratia received?
A3. He has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (2016), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), and was also commended by the UN Force Commander during a mission in Congo.
Q4. What are the primary responsibilities of the AOM in the IAF?
A4. The AOM oversees maintenance policies, logistics, planning, and ensures operational readiness of aircraft and ground systems.
Q5. Which academic institutions did Air Marshal Ghuratia attend?
A5. He studied at GEC Jabalpur, BITS Pilani, Madras University, Bhopal University (Doctorate), Defence Services Staff College Wellington, Air Force Test Pilot School Bengaluru, and Air Force Technical College Bengaluru.
Q6. Why is the appointment of AOM significant for defence aspirants?
A6. It reflects India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence systems and highlights the role of logistics and maintenance in national security—topics often tested in exams like CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF.
Q7. Who held the position of AOM before Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia?
A7. Air Marshal Venkataramanan Rajasekhar served as AOM prior to Air Marshal Ghuratia.
Q8. How many years of service does Air Marshal Ghuratia have in the IAF?
A8. He has 37 years of service in the Indian Air Force.
Q9. Which UN mission did Air Marshal Ghuratia serve in?
A9. He served in the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was commended by the UN Force Commander.
Q10. How is this news relevant for civil services exam aspirants?
A10. It demonstrates the importance of defence leadership, civil-military coordination, and strategic planning in national security—relevant themes in General Studies papers.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
