Inderpal Singh Walia named next IAF vice-chief

Inderpal Singh Walia has been chosen as the Indian Air Force's next vice-chief, the Defence Ministry announced on October 30. The Air Marshal, who heads Eastern Air Command, is due to begin the assignment on November 1, according to reports.

He will replace Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit in the post. Dixit is scheduled to become the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, making the appointments part of a change at the service's senior leadership level.

Walia entered the IAF's fighter branch on June 11, 1988, after studying at the National Defence Academy. His service career has since extended across nearly four decades, with responsibilities in flying units, command establishments and staff positions.

Command experience and overseas assignments

Inderpal Singh Walia has led a frontline fighter squadron and the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment. His previous commands also include Air Force Station Bareilly, where he served as Air Officer Commanding.

His flying qualifications cover the MiG-21's variants as well as the MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30 MKI. Alongside operational appointments, he has worked at the head of the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection.

Within Eastern Air Command, he previously held the Senior Air Staff Officer's assignment before his current leadership role. His diplomatic service included defence attache duties at India's embassies in Japan and South Korea.

His further training took him to Bangladesh for a course at its National Defence College. In the United Kingdom, he completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course. He also has three postgraduate qualifications in defence and strategic studies.

His service honours include the Vayu Sena Medal, awarded in 2008, and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, awarded in 2018.

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