Air Marshal Barbora, born in December 1950 in Shillong, was commissioned as a fighter pilot in June 1970. A very experienced flier, he has flown over 3500 hours. Air Marshal Barbora also took part in the 1971 war with Pakistan. 

A qualified flying instructor and a fighter combat leader, Air Marshal Barbora has been on the staff of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment. He has also served two tenures in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection at Air Headquarters. He is also a graduate of the College of Combat, Mhow (Higher Command). 

During his service career he has had the distinction of being part of the team during formation of the first Jaguar squadron of the IAF and also inducting the Air Combat Simulator into the IAF, the first of its kind in Asia.