Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh Takes Helm of Indian Air Force

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has assumed command of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari. With over 5,000 hours of flight experience, Singh aims to modernize the force and address national security challenges. His extensive career includes various command and staff roles.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Monday took over as the new chief of the Indian Air Force from his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.

Singh, an accomplished fighter pilot with over 5,000 hours of flying experience, recently served as Vice Chief. Chaudhari retired after a three-year tenure.

Singh's priorities as Chief of the Air Staff will include procuring new fighter jets and advancing modernization efforts, crucial amid ongoing national security challenges such as the eastern Ladakh border tensions with China. Another key focus will be on the theaterisation plan, part of a significant reform initiative by the government.

Born on October 27, 1964, and commissioned into the fighter pilot stream in December 1984, Singh has had a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years. His roles have ranged from command and staff positions to being an experimental test pilot. Notably, he led the MiG-29 upgrade project in Moscow and was involved in testing the Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.

Singh's tenure begins with the backdrop of delays in the supply of the LCA Tejas-Mark 1A variant by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. He has also held key positions such as Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command.

Before his recent role as Vice Chief, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command. A recipient of prestigious military awards, Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Singh is known for his fitness enthusiasm and squash playing.

(With inputs from agencies.)