India’s skies will soon have a new commander-in-chief. Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, has been appointed the next Chief of the Air Staff, assuming the rank of Air Chief Marshal. He will take over the reins from the current Chief, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, on September 30, 2024.
Singh’s journey with the Indian Air Force began on December 21, 1984, when he was commissioned into the fighter stream. This decorated officer, a graduate of prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College, has a rich and varied career spanning over three decades. His contributions have touched various aspects of the IAF, ranging from leading MiG-27 squadrons and commanding air bases to commanding the Central Air Command and serving as a senior staff officer in the Eastern Air Command.
His expertise extends beyond piloting. Singh is a qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot, with over 4,900 hours of flight experience on various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. He has also been instrumental in the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, showcasing his dedication to technological advancement within the IAF. Notably, he led the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow and served as the Project Director for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, demonstrating his crucial role in modernizing the IAF fleet.
His leadership skills have been recognized through his appointment as the Air Defence Commander at the South Western Air Command. In 2019, Singh was awarded the ‘Ati Vishisht Seva Medal’ by the President of India, acknowledging his distinguished service to the nation.
As Air Marshal Singh prepares to take charge, the Indian Air Force anticipates a period of continued modernization and strengthening under his leadership. His experience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence promise a bright future for the IAF as it safeguards India’s skies.
