Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, a highly decorated and experienced fighter pilot, formally assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force on Sunday, marking a significant leadership transition within the service.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Walia was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 11, 1988. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has built a reputation as a highly skilled and seasoned combat aviator. He is qualified to operate a wide range of fighter aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and the Su-30 MKI, reflecting both operational depth and adaptability across multiple platforms.
During his distinguished flying career, Air Marshal Walia has accumulated more than 3,200 hours of accident-free and incident-free flying, a testament to his professional competence, discipline, and commitment to flight safety. His operational experience is complemented by advanced instructional credentials, as he is recognised as a Fighter Strike Leader and an Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner (IRIE).
Air Marshal Walia has held numerous important command and staff appointments, underscoring his broad leadership experience. He has commanded a MiG-27 fighter squadron, led the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and served as Air Officer Commanding of a frontline air base. His professional military education includes completion of the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and attendance at the National Defence College in Bangladesh, further strengthening his strategic and international outlook.
In addition to his operational and command roles, he has also represented India in key diplomatic assignments, serving as Defence Attaché at the Indian embassies in Japan and South Korea. His other notable postings include serving as Air Commodore at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters, and Air Defence Commander at Headquarters Western Air Command.
Immediately prior to assuming his current role, Air Marshal Walia was serving as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command, giving him direct familiarity with the command’s operational environment and strategic responsibilities.
In recognition of his exemplary and distinguished service to the nation, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2018. He succeeds Surat Singh, who superannuated on January 31, 2026, after completing 39 years of dedicated service to the country.
