Who is Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, the IAF's next Vice Chief?

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, a fighter pilot with nearly four decades of service in the Indian Air Force (IAF), has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He will assume charge on November 1, succeeding Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who is set to become the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31.

Currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, Walia has held several key operational, command and administrative positions during his career.

From fighter pilot to senior IAF commander

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Walia was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on June 11, 1988.

Over the years, he has gained experience flying several fighter aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30 MKI. His official profile records more than 3,200 hours of accident- and incident-free flying.

His command assignments include leading a frontline fighter squadron, the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and Air Force Station Bareilly.

Key roles within the Indian Air Force

Walia has also held several important staff positions. He headed the IAF's Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) and served as the Senior Air Staff Officer of the Eastern Air Command.

His experience extends beyond India's military establishments. He served as Defence Attaché at Indian embassies in Japan and South Korea. He has also completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and the National Defence College course in Bangladesh.

Awards and academic qualifications

Alongside his military career, Walia holds three postgraduate degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies.

His distinguished service has been recognised with the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2018.

With PTI inputs