Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh Appointed Next IAF Chief: A New Chapter for the Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to welcome a new leader as Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh takes charge as the Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari. With a remarkable career spanning nearly four decades, Air Marshal Singh brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this prestigious position.
Who is Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh?
Born on October 27, 1964, Air Marshal Singh was commissioned into the Indian Air Force’s fighter pilot stream in December 1984. Over the years, he has held several key positions, including command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments. His dedication and commitment to the force are evident in his vast experience and the numerous roles he has undertaken.
Key Highlights of Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s Career
- Experienced Pilot and Instructor:
- Air Marshal Singh has over 5,000 hours of flying time on both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.
- He is a qualified flying instructor and an experimental test pilot.
- Leadership Roles:
- Commanded an operational fighter squadron and a frontline air base.
- Served as Air Defence Commander at the South Western Air Command.
- Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command.
- Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
- Test Pilot and Project Management:
- Led the MiG-29 upgrade project management team in Moscow.
- Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, overseeing the flight testing of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.
- Educational Background:
- Graduate of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College.
The Significance of His Appointment
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s appointment as the Chief of the Air Staff comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is undergoing significant modernization and expansion. His leadership will be crucial in steering the force through these transformative years. With his extensive experience in operational, instructional, and test flying roles, he is well-equipped to lead the IAF into the future.
