Air Marshal Yalla Umesh assumed charge of Maintenance Command of the Indian Air Force on 01 December 2025, as the 39th Air Officer Commanding in Chief. Commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch, he has held diverse engineering and leadership appointments across major combat, transport and specialist fleets of the IAF.
A Cat A’ Aeronautical Engineer, he holds a Doctorate in Management, Post Graduate degrees in Industrial Engineering and Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is an alumnus of the College of Defence Management and the National Defence College.
During his distinguished service, Air Marshal Umesh has held several key appointments which include Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Engineering, Air Commodore Engineering (Transport), Air Officer Commanding of a Guided Weapon Base Repair Depot and Chief Engineering Officer at a UN operated airfield in DR Congo. Prior to taking over Maintenance Command, he served as the Director General (Aircraft) at Air Headquarters. He is a recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal.
Air Marshal Yalla Umesh succeeds Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg. who superannuated on 30 November 2025 after 39 years of distinguished and devoted service to the nation and the Indian Air Force.
