Introduction: A New Era for the Eastern Command

In a significant leadership transition for the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has formally taken over the reins as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command (EAC). The handover took place on February 1, 2026. A seasoned fighter pilot and a strategic leader, Air Marshal Walia brings decades of operational and diplomatic experience to this critical frontier command.

Key Service Profile
Commissioned

11 June 1988

Flying Experience

3,200+ Hours (Accident-Free)

Stream

Fighter Aviation

Distinctions

AVSM (2018), VM (2008)

Operational Capability & Experience

Master of the Skies

Air Marshal Walia is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA). His career is defined by an impressive safety record, boasting over 3,200 hours of accident-free flying. He is qualified to operate a diverse range of combat aircraft, including:

  • MiG Series: MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27
  • Deep Penetration Strike: Jaguar
  • Air Dominance: Su-30 MKI

Command Appointments

He has held pivotal command roles during his three-decade career:

  • Commanding Officer of a MiG-27 Squadron.
  • Commandant of the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE).
  • Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of a frontline air base.
Diplomatic & Staff Assignments

International Diplomacy

Beyond the cockpit, Air Marshal Walia has represented India on the global stage. He served as the Defence Attaché at the Embassies of Japan and South Korea, fostering military cooperation in East Asia.

Strategic Leadership

Before assuming his current role as the Chief of EAC, he served as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at the same headquarters, ensuring a seamless transition. His other key administrative roles include:

  • Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air HQ.
  • Air Defence Commander, Western Air Command (WAC).
  • Air Commodore, Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI).
Predecessor & Legacy

Air Marshal Walia succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh, who superannuated on January 31, 2026. Air Marshal Surat Singh concluded a distinguished career spanning 39 years of dedicated service to the nation.

Source Information

Official Press Release: Ministry of Defence - PIB

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Assumes Command of IAF’s Eastern Air Command - Image 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is the new Chief of the Eastern Air Command?
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia took over as the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command on February 1, 2026.
Q. What is Air Marshal Walia's flying background?
He is a fighter stream officer with over 3,200 accident-free flying hours on aircraft like the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and Su-30 MKI.
Q. What awards has he received?
He has been decorated with the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018.
Q. What is TACDE?
TACDE stands for Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment. It is the IAF's premier institution for training top guns and developing aerial combat strategies, which Air Marshal Walia previously commanded.