Air Marshal AP Singh takes charge as new chief of Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force welcomes its 28th Chief, Air Marshal AP Singh, who succeeds Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. Prior to assuming this prestigious role, Singh served as the Vice Chief of Air Staff since February 2023.

Early Life and Career of Air Marshal AP Singh

Air Marshal AP Singh was born on October 27 and was commissioned into the fighter pilot stream of the Indian Air Force in 1984. Over the span of nearly 40 years, he has dedicated his service to the nation, contributing significantly to the Air Force. Throughout his illustrious career, he has held various prestigious roles across operational commands, staff appointments, instructional duties, and foreign assignments.

Singh is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College. In addition, he is a qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot with over 5,000 flying hours on a wide range of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

Role And Contribution In Air Force

During his distinguished career, Singh has commanded an operational fighter squadron and a frontline air base, showcasing his leadership and expertise. As a seasoned test pilot, he played a pivotal role in leading the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow, Russia. He also served as the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, where he was entrusted with the crucial responsibility of flight testing the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, further contributing to India’s aerospace development. His extensive experience and technical acumen have been instrumental in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

Leadership and Honours

Air Marshal AP Singh has held several key positions, including Air Defence Commander at the South Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command. Before taking on the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, overseeing critical operations and ensuring the highest standards of efficiency within the force.

In recognition of his exceptional service, Singh has been honoured with the prestigious “Param Vishisht Seva” Medal and the “Ati Vishisht Seva” Medal, reflecting his dedication and commitment to the nation. His journey through various leadership roles highlights a career built on expertise, integrity, and an unwavering focus on the security and development of India’s air power.

 His experience and leadership have been instrumental in strengthening the operational capabilities of the IAF. Singh’s extensive service reflects his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s airspace and advancing the force’s strategic goals.

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