Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has assumed the role of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command, as per a Defense Ministry statement. With a background from the National Defence Academy, he joined the IAF’s Fighter stream on June 11, 1988. Walia is proficient in various aircraft types including MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and Su-30 MKI, boasting over 3,200 hours of accident-free flying.
In his extensive career exceeding three decades, Air Marshal Walia has held significant command and staff positions. He has led a MiG-27 Squadron, the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and served as Air Officer Commanding at a key base. Additionally, he holds designations such as Fighter Strike Leader and Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner (IRIE), having completed advanced courses in the UK and Bangladesh.
Notably, Air Marshal Walia has served as Defense Attache at Indian Embassies in Japan and South Korea. Prior to his current appointment, he was the Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command. Recognized for his exceptional service, he received the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018 for his contributions.
Air Marshal Walia succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh, who retired on January 31, 2026, after nearly four decades of dedicated service to the nation.
