From Op Sindoor to flying NEET papers & Ram Mandir: How the Indian Air Force became a go-to force in times of crisis

From transporting sensitive NEET-UG question papers across India to playing a crucial role in major military operations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has repeatedly stepped in when precision, speed and secrecy are critical.

The latest link between the IAF and crisis management comes with the appointment of Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.

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Interestingly, Mishra's new role comes after a 43-year career in the IAF and his association with Operation Sindoor, the 2025 India-Pakistan military conflict.

From NEET papers to a nationwide mission

In June 2026, the IAF was entrusted with a highly sensitive logistical task, transporting confidential NEET-UG 2026 re-examination question paper packets across the country.

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The papers were airlifted to more than 18 regional hubs and over 20 locations nationwide. The aim was to minimise handling and ensure the question papers reached their destinations securely, following the cancellation of the original NEET-UG examination amid a paper-leak controversy.

From the skies to Ayodhya

Now, the IAF's crisis-management credentials have found an unusual connection with the country's most prominent religious institution.

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) has been appointed the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Speaking in his first interview after the appointment, Mishra described his selection as a matter of great fortune and attributed it to the blessings of Lord Ram.

"I consider this a great fortune that they chose me from so many candidates. I also consider this the blessings of Lord Ram that after 43 years of service to the nation in the Air Force, He has given me the opportunity to serve Sri Ram Mandir and Sri Ram bhakts," he said.

He also thanked the selection committee and the Ram Mandir Trust, while expressing hope that he would be able to shoulder the responsibility effectively.

Mishra's appointment brings decades of military experience to an institution that is entering a new phase of administration and operations.

The Trust's interim general secretary Krishna Mohan said the decision was taken after discussions at the Trust's meeting. He also pointed to Mishra's association with Operation Sindoor while explaining the significance of his background.

"During Operation Sindoor, the Air Force played a significant role and he was the Commander-in-Chief during the Operation," Krishna Mohan said.

The appointment therefore puts a former senior Air Force officer at the helm of an organisation responsible for managing one of India's most significant religious sites.

Operation Sindoor and the IAF

Mishra's appointment also brings the IAF's role during Operation Sindoor back into focus.

The operation began on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed.

India launched missile strikes against terrorism-related infrastructure linked to Pakistan-based militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India said the strikes were focused on terror infrastructure and not Pakistani military or civilian facilities.

The ensuing India-Pakistan military confrontation lasted several days before the two sides agreed to halt hostilities following communication between their Directors General of Military Operations on May 10.

The IAF played a key role during the conflict, putting its operational capabilities and preparedness into focus.

The common thread linking these very different assignments is the need for speed, precision, coordination and reliability, factors that have increasingly seen the IAF being called upon for high-stakes and sensitive national tasks.