New Delhi: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), with effect from November 1, 2026. He is currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command.
Walia will succeed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who is scheduled to take over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026. His appointment places an experienced fighter pilot and senior commander in one of the Indian Air Force’s highest leadership positions.
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on June 11, 1988, Walia has served in operational, instructional, command, staff and diplomatic roles during a career spanning nearly four decades. His previous assignments include command of a frontline fighter squadron, the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and Air Force Station Bareilly. He has also served as Defence Attaché at the Indian embassies in Japan and South Korea.
Early Life and Education
Air Marshal Walia is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA). Alongside his professional military training, he has pursued advanced academic studies and holds three postgraduate degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies.
He has also completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and the National Defence College course in Bangladesh. These qualifications have complemented his operational experience and prepared him for senior responsibilities involving military leadership, strategic planning and command.
A Fighter Pilot With More Than 3,200 Flying Hours
Walia has built extensive flying experience over his career. According to the biographical information provided, he has logged more than 3,200 flying hours and is qualified as an Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner (IRIE).
His flying qualifications cover several fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30MKI. This experience has formed a major part of his professional background, combining frontline flying with the training and development of combat aviation capabilities.
His career has included operational and instructional responsibilities, giving him experience across different aspects of fighter operations and air combat training.
Commanded Frontline Fighter Squadron and TACDE
During his career, Air Marshal Walia commanded No. 222 Squadron, a frontline fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force. He subsequently served as Commandant of the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), a specialised institution associated with advanced tactics and air combat training.
He also commanded Air Force Station Bareilly, where he served as Air Officer Commanding of the station’s 15 Wing. These assignments gave him experience in squadron-level operations, advanced combat training and the management of major air force installations.
His responsibilities extended beyond operational command. Walia also headed the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) at Air Headquarters, an assignment that added to his experience in staff functions and the assessment of operational and professional standards within the service.
Served as Defence Attaché in Japan and South Korea
Air Marshal Walia has also represented India’s defence establishment abroad. He served as Defence Attaché at the Indian embassies in Japan and South Korea, undertaking a diplomatic assignment that exposed him to international defence engagement and military cooperation.
His experience in both countries added an international dimension to a career otherwise marked by fighter operations, command appointments and senior staff responsibilities.
Led the Eastern Air Command
Before his appointment as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Walia held senior leadership responsibilities in the Eastern Air Command.
He became Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the Eastern Air Command in September 2024. On February 1, 2026, he took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the command.
As AOC-in-C, he has been responsible for leading the command, which forms an important part of the Indian Air Force’s operational structure. His move to the Vice Chief’s post marks the next stage in his progression through senior IAF leadership roles.
Military Awards and Honours
Air Marshal Walia has received two prominent military decorations in recognition of his service.
He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 for devotion to duty. In 2018, he received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), which recognises distinguished service of an exceptional order.
The two decorations are reflected in his official designation, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, and recognise his contributions over a long career in the Indian Air Force.
A Career Spanning Operations, Training and Leadership
Walia’s appointment as Vice Chief of the Air Staff follows a career that has combined fighter flying, advanced air combat training, command of operational units, staff responsibilities and international defence diplomacy.
From commanding a frontline fighter squadron and leading TACDE to heading the Eastern Air Command, he has held appointments across several levels of the IAF’s organisational structure. He is scheduled to assume the Vice Chief’s office on November 1, 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Dixit moves to the top post of Chief of the Air Staff.
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