Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, 59, will assume the role of Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on September 30, succeeding Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, who is set to retire after three years in the position.
Currently serving as the IAF’s Vice Chief, Singh has been instrumental in the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) program, which is expected to be a key component of the IAF’s combat capabilities in the coming decade. An accomplished fighter pilot with over 5,000 flight hours, Singh was commissioned into the Air Force in December 1984.
Throughout his nearly 40-year career, Singh has held various command, staff, instructional, and international roles. His leadership experience includes commanding an operational fighter squadron, overseeing a frontline airbase, and managing the MiG-29 upgrade project in Moscow. He also served as the Project Director for flight testing at the National Flight Test Centre in Bengaluru, where he played a significant role in testing the Tejas LCA Mk-1. He has held important staff appointments of Air Defence Commander at Southwestern Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command.
The defence ministry’s statement emphasized Singh’s extensive experience and dedication to advancing India’s air capabilities.
