In a significant development for India's air defence, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has officially taken charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command (EAC) on February 1, 2026. A seasoned fighter pilot with decades of experience, he succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh to lead one of the Indian Air Force's most critical operational commands.
11 June 1988 (Fighter Stream)
3,200+ Accident-Free Hours
AVSM (2018), Vayu Sena Medal (2008)
Senior Air Staff Officer (HQ EAC)
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Walia brings a wealth of tactical and strategic experience:
- Master Pilot: He is qualified to fly a diverse range of combat aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, MiG-27, MiG-23, and MiG-21. His record includes over 3,200 hours of flying without a single mishap.
- Command Roles: He has previously commanded a MiG-27 Squadron and the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE).
- Diplomatic Stint: His career extends beyond borders, having served as the Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassies in Japan and South Korea.
Air Marshal Walia is a highly trained officer who has completed the Advance Command & Staff Course in the United Kingdom and attended the National Defence College in Bangladesh. Prior to his current elevation, he held pivotal roles such as the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air HQ and Air Defence Commander at the Western Air Command (WAC). He is also a qualified Fighter Strike Leader and an Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner.
Information based on the official press release from the Ministry of Defence via PIB.
