Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Takes Command of Eastern Air Command

New Delhi: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has assumed charge as the new Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Surat Singh, who retired on January 31 after 39 years of service.

Extensive Leadership Experience
Before taking over the top post, Air Marshal Walia served as Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command headquarters. His appointment brings decades of operational, flying, and command experience to the crucial Eastern Air Command.

Career and Training
A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Walia was commissioned in 1988 as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. He has undergone advanced training both in India and abroad, including the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the UK and courses at the National Defence College, Bangladesh, for higher defence planning.

Operational and Command Experience
Air Marshal Walia has flown multiple fighter aircraft, including MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and all variants of the Su-30 MKI, accumulating over 3,200 flying hours without any incident. He has commanded a MiG-27 squadron, led the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and served as a fighter strike leader, instrument rating instructor, and examiner.

He has also held key staff positions such as Air Commodore in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters, and Air Defence Commander at Western Air Command Headquarters. Additionally, he has served as Defence Attaché at Indian embassies in Japan and South Korea.

Significance of the Appointment
With more than three decades of service and extensive experience in flying, command, and staff roles, Air Marshal Walia is expected to bring operational excellence and strategic leadership to Eastern Air Command, which plays a critical role in India’s eastern sector air defence and operational readiness.