Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia named the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff
30 October 2026
The Ministry of Defence has named Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM VM, as Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) with effect from 1 November 2026.
He now heads Eastern Air Command as its Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
A National Defence Academy alumnus, he was commissioned in the IAF's fighter stream on 11 June 1988.
A fighter pilot by training, he has flown the Su-30 MKI and the Jaguar besides every version of the MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27.
His earlier posts include commanding TACDE and serving as India's Defence Attache in Japan and South Korea.
He takes over from Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who is to take over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on 31 October 2026.
In plain words
VCAS Vice Chief of the Air Staff — The second-highest post in the Indian Air Force, under the Chief of the Air Staff.
AOC-in-C Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief — The officer who heads one of the IAF's operational commands.
AVSM Ati Vishisht Seva Medal — A peacetime award for distinguished service of a high order.
VM Vayu Sena Medal — An Air Force award for individual acts of devotion to duty or courage.
TACDE Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment — The IAF's unit that develops fighter tactics and trains combat leaders.