Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia will formally take office on Sunday following Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit's ascension to the top post on Saturday. The veteran aviator has flown multiple combat platforms throughout his nearly 40-year career, including the Su-30 MKI and Jaguar. He also brings international diplomatic experience to the role, having previously served as India's defence attaché to both Japan and South Korea.
Key points
The leadership transition will take effect on Sunday following the elevation of the curre…: The leadership transition will take effect on Sunday following the elevation of the current vice-chief to air force chief.
Walia transitions into headquarters directly from his leadership role as Air Officer Comm…: Walia transitions into headquarters directly from his leadership role as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command.
The new vice-chief brings decorated service recognition that includes both the Vayu Sena…: The new vice-chief brings decorated service recognition that includes both the Vayu Sena Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
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NEW DELHI: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has been appointed
Indian Air Force (IAF) vice-chief and will take charge from Sunday. Currently, he is the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command.
Air Marshal Walia takes over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff from Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who will become 29th IAF chief on Saturday.
In a career spanning almost four decades, the Air Officer has tenanted various command and staff appointments. He has commanded a frontline fighter squadron, the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and was Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Bareilly. He has flown various fighter aircraft of the IAF, including variants of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30 MKI.
The air officer is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned in the fighter stream of the IAF on June 11, 1988. He has undergone the Advanced Command & Staff Course in the UK and NDC in Bangladesh. He headed Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) of the IAF, served as a defence attache at the embassy…
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