New Delhi: Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, PVSM, AVSM, VM officially assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 2, 2025. A decorated officer with nearly four decades of distinguished service, Air Marshal Tiwari brings to the role deep operational expertise and an exceptional track record in flight testing and leadership.
A native of Uttar Pradesh, the Air Marshal is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, and was awarded the President’s Gold Medal upon graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, in June 1985. He was commissioned into the IAF as a Fighter Pilot on June 7, 1986.
With over 3,600 hours of flying experience, Air Marshal Tiwari is a Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot. He is also a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, USA, and has served on the faculty of the IAF Test Pilots’ School and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
Operational and Strategic Contributions
During the Kargil War in 1999, he played a pivotal role in operationalising the ‘Litening’ Laser Designation Pod, enhancing the precision strike capability of IAF fighters. Between 2006–2009 and again in 2018–2019, he was closely associated with the flight testing and operational clearance of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). As Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, his work significantly advanced India’s indigenous fighter jet programme.
From 2013 to 2016, Air Marshal Tiwari served as the Air Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Paris, strengthening defence diplomacy between India and France. He later held key appointments, including Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), and most recently, served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command.
Honours and Awards
In recognition of his exemplary service, Air Marshal Tiwari has received several prestigious decorations:
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) – 2025
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2022
- Vayu Sena Medal (VM) – 2008
Personal Life
Air Marshal Tiwari is married to Mrs. Richa Tiwari, a postgraduate in Cytology. The couple is blessed with two daughters.
As the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Tiwari is expected to play a key role in advancing the IAF’s modernization agenda, fostering indigenisation, and strengthening India’s aerial combat readiness.
