Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), with effect from November 1, 2026. He is currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command.
An accomplished fighter pilot with nearly four decades of distinguished service, Air Marshal Walia brings extensive operational, command and strategic experience to his new appointment.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), he was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 11, 1988. During his distinguished flying career, he has qualified to operate multiple fighter aircraft, including all variants of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30MKI.
Over the years, Air Marshal Walia has held several key command and staff appointments. He has commanded a frontline fighter squadron, the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and Air Force Station Bareilly. His professional experience also includes heading the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI), serving as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Japan and South Korea, and functioning as Senior Air Staff Officer of the Eastern Air Command.
His professional development includes the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and the National Defence College (NDC) course in Bangladesh. An avid reader, he holds three postgraduate degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies, reflecting his academic engagement with military affairs and strategic thinking.
In recognition of his distinguished service to the nation, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018.
Air Marshal Walia will succeed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Air Marshal Dixit is scheduled to assume charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026.
His appointment brings extensive fighter aviation experience, operational leadership and strategic expertise to the Indian Air Force’s senior leadership at a crucial juncture in India’s evolving air power landscape.
