Air Marshal AP Singh to Lead Air Force: Classmates Command All Three Services

Air Marshal AP Singh's appointment as Chief of Air Staff marks a unique situation where coursemates and classmates now lead the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This change in leadership has solidified a strong bonding among the service chiefs, fostering improved synergy in military operations.

In a significant development, Air Marshal AP Singh has been appointed as the next Chief of Air Staff, resulting in two coursemates and two classmates heading the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

These appointments bring fresh leadership to all three branches within the past five months. Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Air Marshal AP Singh both hail from the 65th course of the National Defence Academy and graduated in 1983. Gen Dwivedi also shares a classmate bond with Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi from Sainik School, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.

Admiral Tripathi became the Chief of Naval Staff on April 30, followed by General Dwivedi on July 31. Air Marshal AP Singh will assume his role on September 30, as per official orders. These leaders' deep friendships from their National Defence Academy days are expected to enhance coordination among the services, which is crucial as the Department of Military Affairs, led by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, works on creating theatre commands.

Additionally, the three services are collaborating on shared operational assets, underlining a stronger, unified approach in India's defense strategy.

(With inputs from agencies.)