The Government of India has announced the appointment of Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM, as the next Chief of the Air Staff, effective September 30, 2024. He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff and will take over from Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, who is set to retire on the same day.
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s Distinguished Career
Born on October 27, 1964, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff has an illustrious career spanning almost 40 years. He was commissioned into the fighter pilot stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in December 1984. Throughout his service, he has held numerous Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments, showcasing his leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to the IAF.
Educational and Professional Qualifications
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh is an alumnus of prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and the National Defence College. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, with over 5,000 hours of flying experience on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. His flying expertise and ability to lead have been crucial throughout his service.
Command Experience and Key Appointments
During his illustrious career, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff has commanded an operational fighter squadron and a frontline air base. His role as a test pilot saw him leading the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow, Russia. His significant contribution to the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas as the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre highlights his technical acumen.
In addition to his operational roles, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh has held numerous key staff positions, including Air Defence Commander at the South Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command. Before assuming the position of Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, further enhancing his leadership credentials within the IAF.
Legacy and Vision as the Chief of Air Staff
As Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh is expected to bring his wealth of experience and visionary leadership to the IAF. His extensive knowledge of operational strategy, air defense systems, and aircraft modernization projects will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Indian Air Force as a formidable and modern fighting force. His leadership is particularly significant at a time when the IAF is focusing on strengthening its technological capabilities and maintaining a strategic edge in the region.
His expertise in flight testing, fighter squadron operations, and air defense will also contribute to the Indian Air Force’s modernization plans, further enhancing its operational readiness and preparedness to handle emerging threats.
Conclusion
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff, will assume the top position in the Indian Air Force at a pivotal time. His nearly 40 years of service, filled with achievements and leadership roles, will help him steer the IAF towards greater heights, maintaining the force’s relevance and effectiveness in a rapidly changing defense environment. His appointment marks a significant chapter in the Indian Air Force’s history, one that is bound to witness a further enhancement of its operational and strategic capabilities.
