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Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Takes Helm of IAF's Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has taken over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command. A highly experienced fighter pilot commissioned in 1988, he is qualified on a wide range of aircraft including the Su-30 MKI and has logged over 3,200 hours of incident-free flying. His distinguished career includes command of a MiG-27 squadron and key staff appointments, earning him the Vayu Sena Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. He succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh, who retired after nearly four decades of service.

Key Points: Inderpal Singh Walia Appointed AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command

  • Decorated fighter pilot assumes command
  • Over 3,200 accident-free flying hours
  • Qualified on multiple fighter aircraft variants
  • Awarded Vayu Sena and Ati Vishisht Seva Medals
  • Succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh
2 min read

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia takes over as Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, a decorated fighter pilot, assumes command of the IAF's Eastern Air Command, bringing over 3,200 hours of flying experience.

"He has over 3,200 hours of accident- and incident-free flying. - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, February 1

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, IAF on Sunday, Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned in the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 11, 1988, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.

The Air Officer is qualified on all variants of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30 MKI. He has over 3,200 hours of accident- and incident-free flying. In a career spanning over three decades, the Air Officer has tenanted various Command and Staff appointments. He has commanded a MiG-27 Squadron, the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and served as Air Officer Commanding of a frontline base.

He is a Fighter Strike Leader, an Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner (IRIE), has undergone the Advanced Command & Staff Course in the UK and the National Defence College in Bangladesh. He has served as the Defence Attache at the Embassy of Japan and South Korea.

He tenanted the appointment of Air Commodore, Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI), the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air HQ and Air Defence Commander, HQ WAC. Prior to taking over as AOC-in-C, EAC, he was Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ EAC.

In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018.

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh, who superannuated on January 31, 2026, after 39 years of distinguished and devoted service to the nation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
What an impressive resume. From NDA to commanding squadrons and now the entire Eastern Air Command. It's officers like him who make our nation proud. Wishing him all the best in his new role.
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Rohit P
The Eastern Air Command is a very sensitive and crucial post, especially given the current security scenario. His experience on the Su-30 MKI and his tenure in Japan/South Korea will be invaluable. A solid appointment.
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Sarah B
It's heartening to see such qualified and experienced officers leading our forces. His training in the UK and Bangladesh shows a global perspective, which is essential for modern military leadership. Congratulations to Air Marshal Walia.
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Vikram M
A fighter pilot's fighter pilot! Qualified on all variants of the MiG-21? That's the real stuff. Those birds are not easy to handle. Salute to his service and to Air Marshal Surat Singh as well for his 39 years.
K
Karthik V
While I have immense respect for his achievements, I do hope the focus under his command will also be on modernizing our aging fleet further and improving pilot training infrastructure. We need to keep pace with emerging threats.
A
Ananya R
Vayu Sena

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