New Delhi, November 1, 2026: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday, November 1, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who took over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026.
Following his assumption of the prestigious appointment, Air Marshal Walia paid homage to the fallen heroes of the nation at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He laid a wreath in honour of the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country. The senior officer was also presented with a ceremonial Guard of Honour to mark the occasion.
Air Marshal Walia previously served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command, one of the Indian Air Force’s strategically important operational commands. His appointment as Vice Chief of the Air Staff follows a major leadership transition within the IAF.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 11, 1988. With more than 38 years of distinguished military service, he brings extensive operational experience, strategic expertise and leadership capabilities to his new role.
An accomplished fighter pilot, Air Marshal Walia is qualified to fly several frontline combat aircraft, including all variants of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30MKI. His flying experience across multiple generations of fighter aircraft reflects his deep understanding of aerial warfare, fighter operations and combat readiness.
During his distinguished career, Air Marshal Walia 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 is responsible for developing advanced air combat tactics and operational training within the Indian Air Force.
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. These assignments have provided him with extensive experience in operational planning, combat preparedness, training and administration.
Air Marshal Walia has also represented India internationally as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy for Japan and South Korea. He completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and attended the National Defence College in Bangladesh, gaining valuable exposure to international military cooperation and strategic affairs.
Academically accomplished, the senior officer holds three postgraduate degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies. His professional qualifications and extensive operational experience have contributed to his distinguished career in the Indian Air Force.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Air Marshal Walia was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018.
As Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia will play a crucial role in supporting the Chief of the Air Staff in overseeing the Indian Air Force’s operational preparedness, modernisation initiatives, strategic planning and administrative responsibilities.
His assumption of office on November 1, 2026, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the senior leadership of the Indian Air Force as the service continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and combat readiness.
The Ministry of Defence had officially announced his appointment on October 30, 2026, while the Indian Air Force confirmed his assumption of charge and ceremonial honours on November 1. Press Information Bureau+1
