Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Appointed New Vice Chief of IAF

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has appointed Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, as its next Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS). He will officially assume charge on November 1, 2026. He currently serves as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command.

He brings nearly 40 years of military experience to his new role. Over his distinguished career, he has commanded frontline fighter units, directed air combat training institutes, and managed critical staff assignments across the IAF.

He succeeds Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who steps up to become the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026.

Early Career and Flight Experience

Air Marshal Walia graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). The Indian Air Force commissioned him into its Fighter Stream on June 11, 1988.

During his flight career, he logged extensive flight hours on key fighter jets in the IAF inventory, including:

• MiG-21
• MiG-23
• MiG-27
• Jaguar
• Su-30 MKI

Flying these diverse aircraft gave him deep operational insight into fighter tactics and air combat management.

Major Leadership and Command Roles

Air Marshal Walia has held high-level command and staff assignments throughout his service:

• Eastern Air Command: Leads overall air operations in the eastern theater as AOC-in-C.
• Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI): Directed the team responsible for inspecting IAF operational readiness.
• Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE): Commanded the IAF's elite tactical training establishment.
• Air Force Station Bareilly: Served as Air Officer Commanding for the major frontline air base.
• International Diplomacy: Represented India's defense interests as the Defence Attaché in Japan and South Korea.

Higher Education and Military Honours

Air Marshal Walia has pursued advanced military and academic studies both in India and abroad. He completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and attended the National Defence College (NDC) in Bangladesh. He also holds three postgraduate degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies.

The President of India has recognized his dedicated service with two major military honors:

• Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 for distinguished service.
• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018 for exceptional service of a high order.

Duties of the Vice Chief of the Air Staff

The Vice Chief of the Air Staff holds the second-highest operational position in the IAF hierarchy. The VCAS assists the Chief of the Air Staff in managing daily military operations, weapon procurement, force modernization, and strategic planning.

Air Marshal Walia's extensive background in fighter operations and defense diplomacy ensures steady leadership as the IAF modernizes its forces.