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, taking up the post amid a fresh change in the service’s top leadership.
His move into the vice chief’s role follows the elevation of Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who became the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026. The handover marks a significant senior-level transition within the IAF.
After taking charge, Air Marshal Walia visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi to pay homage to the nation’s fallen heroes. He laid a wreath in honour of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country. He was also given a ceremonial Guard of Honour on the occasion.
Before this appointment, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command, one of the IAF’s strategically important operational commands. His new assignment comes after a major leadership transition in the force.
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 service, he brings long operational experience, leadership exposure and strategic understanding to the appointment.
He is an accomplished fighter pilot and is qualified to fly several frontline combat aircraft, including all variants of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30MKI. His experience across multiple generations of fighter aircraft reflects long familiarity with combat flying and operational readiness.
Over the course of his career, he has held a range of command and staff appointments. These include command of 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 roles gave him 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. In addition, he completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and attended the National Defence College in Bangladesh, gaining exposure to international military cooperation and strategic affairs.
Academically, he holds three postgraduate degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies. His service record combines operational flying, command responsibilities and higher military education.
He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018 in recognition of his service.
As Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia will assist the Chief of the Air Staff in overseeing the IAF’s operational preparedness, modernisation initiatives, strategic planning and administrative responsibilities. The Ministry of Defence officially announced his appointment on October 30, 2026, while the Indian Air Force confirmed his assumption of charge and ceremonial honours on November 1.
His assumption of office on November 1, 2026, begins a new phase in the senior leadership of the Indian Air Force as the service continues to strengthen its operational capability and combat readiness.
