By Asia Samachar | India |
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has been appointed Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), effective November 1, 2026, as the force undergoes a leadership transition following the retirement of Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet (AP) Singh after 42 years of service.
Walia, a decorated fighter pilot with more than 3,200 flying hours, was previously Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command.
Walia, a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM), brings extensive operational and command experience to his new appointment, according to an announcement on the IAF’s official Facebook page.
The alumnus of the National Defence Academy was commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream on June 11, 1988.
He is qualified to fly all variants of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.
During his nearly four decades of service, Walia has commanded a MiG-27 fighter squadron, the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and Air Force Station Bareilly.
His career has also included appointments as Director of Air Staff Inspection, Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern Air Command, and India’s Defence Attaché in Japan and South Korea.
He completed an advanced command and staff course in the United Kingdom and holds three postgraduate degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies.
Walia received the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2018 in recognition of his distinguished service.
He succeeds Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who was named the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
AP Singh retires after 42 years
Meanwhile, outgoing IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh retired on October 31, concluding a distinguished military career spanning 42 years.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded him a farewell on October 26, commending his exemplary leadership and contributions to the IAF and the nation.
Rajnath particularly acknowledged AP Singh’s role in the successful execution of Operation Sindoor and his efforts to strengthen the IAF’s capabilities, according to a Facebook statement by India’s Ministry of Defence.
On his final day in service, AP Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and inspected a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Force Station, New Delhi.
He was accompanied by his wife, Sarita Singh, at the farewell ceremony marking the conclusion of his tenure as the IAF’s 28th chief.
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