A major reshuffle has been announced in the top operational command of the Indian Air Force. The central government has officially designated Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command, he will formally take over the new position on November 1, 2026. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), he entered service on June 11, 1988, when he was commissioned into the fighter stream. Across an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, he has managed diverse responsibilities covering combat operations, staff duties, and base commands.
Fighter Jet Mastery and Frontline Operational Command
Recognised among the most adept combat aviators in the service, Air Marshal Walia has logged in excess of 3,200 flying hours across a wide range of combat aircraft. His operational cockpit experience extends to nearly all frontline fighter types in the Indian inventory, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and the Su-30 MKI.
His command credentials include leading a frontline MiG-27 strike squadron and heading the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), which shapes operational aerial doctrine. He has also commanded the strategically vital Air Force Station Bareilly and served as head of the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) at Air Headquarters, overseeing rigorous operational readiness evaluations.
Diplomatic Exposure, Professional Military Education and Honours
Beyond his tactical flying achievements, Air Marshal Walia has substantial exposure to strategic planning and defense diplomacy. He completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and attended the National Defence College in Bangladesh. His diplomatic service includes tenure as the Defense Attache to Japan and South Korea, where he helped advance bilateral military cooperation and strategic partnerships.
He holds three postgraduate degrees in defense and strategic studies, demonstrating a deep academic grounding in military affairs. In recognition of his exceptional dedication and meritorious service, he received the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008, followed by the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018.
Succession Hierarchy at Air Headquarters
In his new capacity as Vice Chief, Air Marshal Walia will step into the shoes of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit. Air Marshal Dixit is scheduled to take over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026. This leadership shift comes as current Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh completes an active military tenure spanning 42 years, retiring from service on October 31.
