In a significant leadership transition, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has assumed the position of Chief of the Air Staff, taking over from Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. Prior to his appointment as the Air Force chief, he served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff since February 2023.
Born on October 27, 1964, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh was commissioned into the fighter pilot stream of the Indian Air Force in 1984. With a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, he has served in a multitude of roles, including Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments. His vast experience encompasses both operational and developmental aspects of the Air Force.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College, Air Marshal Singh is not only a Qualified Flying Instructor but also an Experimental Test Pilot. He boasts over 5,000 hours of flying time on various fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, underlining his extensive operational expertise.
Throughout his career, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has commanded an operational fighter squadron and a frontline air base. He has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s aviation capabilities, notably leading the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow and serving as the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, where he was involved in the flight testing of the Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.
His leadership extends beyond the cockpit, having held significant staff appointments such as Air Defence Commander at the South Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command. Before his tenure as the Vice Chief, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command.
His service and contributions to the Indian Air Force have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the “Param Vishisht Seva” Medal and the “Ati Vishisht Seva” Medal, reflecting his commitment to excellence and dedication to duty.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s leadership arrives at a crucial time when the Indian Air Force continues to enhance its capabilities amid evolving global security dynamics. His vast experience and strategic acumen are expected to guide the IAF towards new heights in defense preparedness and operational excellence.
