New Delhi: In a significant development for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, an officer with over 5,000 hours of flying experience, has been appointed as the next Chief of Air Staff. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he will assume his new role on the afternoon of September 30, 2024, with the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
Official Announcement
The Defence Ministry confirmed the appointment, stating, “The government has appointed Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, as the next Chief of the Air Staff, in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, with effect from the afternoon of September 30.”
Transition of Leadership
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, the current Chief of the Air Staff, will retire on September 30, 2024, paving the way for Air Marshal Singh’s leadership.
Who is Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh?
Born on October 27, 1964, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh was commissioned into the fighter pilot stream of the IAF in December 1984. His illustrious career spans nearly four decades, during which he has held numerous command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments.
Educational Background and Expertise
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College, Air Marshal Singh is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot. He has accumulated over 5,000 hours of flying experience on various fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.
Command and Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Singh has commanded an operational fighter squadron and a frontline air base. Notably, he led the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow, Russia, and served as the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, overseeing the flight testing of the Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.
Key Staff Appointments
He has held significant staff positions, including Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command. Before becoming the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
