New Delhi, October 30, 2026: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), effective November 1, 2026. The Ministry of Defence announced his appointment on Friday. He currently serves as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command.
Air Marshal Walia will succeed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who is set to take over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026.
An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Air Marshal Walia was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 11, 1988. With a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he brings extensive operational, command and strategic experience to his new appointment.
An accomplished fighter pilot, Air Marshal Walia is qualified to fly all variants of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30MKI aircraft. His experience across multiple generations of combat aircraft reflects his longstanding involvement in the Indian Air Force’s fighter operations and combat preparedness.
Throughout his career, the senior officer has held several important command and staff appointments. He has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), which plays a crucial role in developing air combat tactics and operational training within the IAF.
He has also served as the Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Bareilly, headed the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) and held the appointment of Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command.
Air Marshal Walia’s international experience includes serving as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy for Japan and South Korea. He has completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and attended the National Defence College in Bangladesh, strengthening his expertise in military strategy, defence cooperation and international security affairs.
An avid reader with a strong academic background, Air Marshal Walia holds three postgraduate degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies. His academic qualifications complement his extensive operational and leadership experience in the Indian Air Force.
In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018.
His appointment as Vice Chief of the Air Staff comes at a significant leadership transition in the Indian Air Force, with Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assuming charge as the new Air Chief on October 31. Air Marshal Walia will take up his new responsibilities the following day, bringing decades of fighter aviation expertise, operational leadership and strategic experience to one of the highest positions in the Indian Air Force.
