Continuing the recent strategic leadership transition within the Indian Armed Forces, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, has officially assumed the role of the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). As the 49th VCAS, IAF, he has taken charge, effective 2 May 2025, marking a significant development in the leadership structure of the Indian Air Force. The recent changes seem to be aimed at achieving enhanced operational readiness and the modernization of the air force. As such, the IAF is set to benefit from Air Marshal Tiwari’s experience, who has spent almost four decades in the service of the nation, with over 3,600 flying hours.
Educational and Training Background
A graduate of the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, Air Marshal Tiwari has extensive operational and instructional acumen. He was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 7 June 1986, after completing the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, from where he graduated in June 1985, with the President’s Gold Medal, serving as a testament to his exceptional performance and potential. He further went to the United States to continue his military education from the Air Command and Staff College, where he was trained in advanced air power and joint operational planning skills.
Operational and Instructional Expertise
Air Marshal Tiwari’s extensive operational experience includes the successful induction and testing of numerous aerial platforms and weapon systems. He is a qualified flying instructor and a test pilot for the Indian Air Force. He is also credited with operationalizing the ‘Litening’ Laser Designation Pod during the 1999 Kargil War. Today, the system has evolved and become a core component of the IAF, with installations possible on the advanced Rafael aircraft, furthering the aerial forces’ precision when it comes to targeting architecture.
As an Air Force test pilot, he was also pivotal in flight testing the indigenous multirole light fighter aircraft, “Tejas.” He was the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) (2018-19) and proved instrumental in achieving the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the Tejas program.
He has also held the post of Directing Staff at both the IAF Test Pilots’ School and the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, where he contributed significantly to the practical training of future pilots and military leaders.
Diplomatic and Strategic Assignments
In his long service, spanning almost four decades, Air Marshal Tiwari has also served several diplomatic and strategic missions, such as the Air Attaché to the Indian Embassy in Paris from 2013 to 2016. In this post, he oversaw defense cooperation initiatives and technological liaisons with French and European aerospace industries. He is also credited for fostering bilateral relations with France, especially in the wake of the IAF’s acquisition of the Dassault Rafale.
He has also served as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) at Air Headquarters, IAF (Vayu Bhawan), overseeing critical assignments such as capability development, procurement planning, joint operationality, and force structuring. Before helming the post of Vice Chief, Air Marshal Tiwari held the position of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command (SWAC).
Awards and Recognitions
In his illustrative and meritorious service, Air Marshal Tiwari has also received several awards and recognitions. He has remained a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, who has received several Presidential Gallantry medals for distinguished service, such as:
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2025
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2022
- Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008
The Strategic Implications Of The Appointment
The recent appointment of Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff has emphasized the nation’s commitment towards technological advancement, joint operationality, and synergy with the other Armed Forces. It is expected that his proven experience in aerial warfare, weapons integration, and personnel structuring will serve as the cornerstone in India’s aerospace posturing and modernization.
