Air Marshal S Sivakumar Takes Over as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration

In a significant administrative development in the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal S Sivakumar, VSM, has officially assumed the prestigious appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi on 1st July 2025. A distinguished officer with a rich legacy of leadership, operational acumen, and administrative expertise, Air Marshal Sivakumar steps into the role with over three and a half decades of decorated service in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This appointment is a testament to his enduring commitment to the service, deep-rooted understanding of defence operations, and proven track record of handling diverse administrative and strategic portfolios across the IAF.

A Career Forged in Excellence

Commissioned into the Administration branch of the Indian Air Force in June 1990, Air Marshal S Sivakumar’s career trajectory reflects a fine blend of field experience and strategic oversight. Over the past 35 years, he has worn many hats—serving in high-stakes operational zones, leading vital infrastructure and personnel management commands, and contributing to the global peacekeeping mission under the UN flag.

His early years saw him taking charge as the Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at a forward air base, a role critical to managing flight safety and operational readiness in active sectors. Demonstrating his mettle in global operations, the officer represented the Indian Air Force in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, earning recognition for his professionalism and diplomacy in a multinational environment.

Distinguished Academic Credentials

Complementing his field experience, Air Marshal Sivakumar is academically accomplished. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management from Pondicherry University, equipping him with vital people-management and organizational development skills. He also possesses an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Osmania University, signifying his scholarly grasp of national security, military affairs, and strategic planning.

These academic qualifications have been instrumental in enhancing his leadership capabilities, especially in his roles concerning policy-making, infrastructure development, and HR planning within the IAF.

Command and Staff Appointments: A Legacy of Leadership

Air Marshal Sivakumar’s extensive experience spans several key appointments that are central to the IAF's functioning:

• Chief Administrative Officer at a premier flying station, overseeing base operations and logistics.

• Air Force Examiner, ensuring high standards in air traffic services.

• Command Works Officer and Command Personnel Staff Officer at two Operational Commands, driving HR strategy and civil-military infrastructure development.

• Air Officer Commanding of an Equipment Depot, responsible for ensuring the efficient storage, maintenance, and dispatch of critical IAF assets.

• Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Air Force Works) at Air Headquarters, leading policy and planning for IAF infrastructure projects.

• Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration (SOA) of an Operational Command, a role entailing oversight of all administrative activities including discipline, welfare, and civil works.

Prior to assuming the role of AOA, the Air Marshal served as the Director General (Administration) at Air Headquarters, where he played a pivotal role in shaping administrative reforms, promoting e-governance, and strengthening personnel welfare systems.

A Recognized Leader: Vishisht Seva Medal Awardee

For his exceptional devotion to duty, dedicated service, and outstanding leadership, Air Marshal S Sivakumar has been conferred with the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). This recognition underlines the officer’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation throughout his career.

Role and Responsibilities as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration

As AOA, Air Marshal Sivakumar is now responsible for the entire administrative architecture of the Indian Air Force. His duties include:

• Oversight of IAF’s vast civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

• Management of human resources, discipline, and welfare across all commands and bases.

• Coordination with civil authorities and policy formulation at the highest levels.

• Implementation of modern administrative technologies and organizational best practices.

Given his robust experience and leadership style, Air Marshal Sivakumar is expected to drive reforms in infrastructure modernization, personnel welfare, and administrative digitization.

Strengthening the Indian Air Force’s Strategic Backbone

The appointment of Air Marshal S Sivakumar as AOA marks a crucial chapter in the Indian Air Force’s journey toward greater operational synergy and administrative modernization. His strategic vision, field experience, and administrative prowess will be pivotal as the IAF undertakes infrastructure upgrades, human capital development, and integration of future-ready administrative systems.

His tenure is expected to further bolster the IAF’s mission to remain a combat-ready, future-oriented, and people-centric force, upholding the highest standards of national service.