Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh to be next IAF chief
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh will take over as the next chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following the retirement of Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on September 30. The government made this announcement on Saturday, adhering to the principle of seniority in its selection. Commissioned in December 1984, Singh has held various significant command and staff positions throughout his career.
Singh's extensive experience and achievements in IAF
Prior to his appointment as the vice-chief in February last year, Singh served as the air officer commanding-in-chief of the Central Air Command at Prayagraj. He is a qualified flying instructor and an experimental test pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight time on various aircraft and helicopters. His career includes commanding an operational fighter squadron and a frontline air base.
Singh's contributions to key defense projects
As a test pilot, Singh played a crucial role in leading the MiG-29 fighter upgrade project management team in Moscow. He also served as project director (flight test) for the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft. These experiences further enriched his nearly 40-year-long career in the IAF, which has been marked by a variety of command, staff, instructional and foreign appointments.
Singh's educational background and previous roles
Singh is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College. He has served as Flight Commander and Commanding Officer of a MiG-27 squadron, as well as Air Officer Commanding of an air base. Additionally, he has led the Central Air Command (CAC) and previously served as a Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command.
Singh's distinguished services and recognition
In recognition of his distinguished services, Singh was awarded the 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' by the President of India on Republic Day in 2019. He has also worked in the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment at multiple levels and served as Air Defence Commander at the South Western Air Command.
