The Indian government has announced the appointment of Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh as the next Chief of the Air Staff. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he will take over from Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari on September 30, 2024, when the current Chief retires.

Born on October 27, 1964, Air Marshal AP Singh has had an illustrious career in the Indian Air Force (IAF). He was commissioned as a fighter pilot in December 1984 and has nearly four decades of service. He studied at a government school in Janakpuri, Delhi, before joining the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he completed the 65th course and served as the Squadron Cadet Captain. He is also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College.
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Singh has held several important roles. He has commanded a MiG-27 squadron and a frontline air base. As a skilled test pilot, he led the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow, Russia, and was the Project Director for Flight Testing the Tejas, Indiaโs Light Combat Aircraft.
He has served in key positions such as Air Defence Commander at the South Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command. Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command. He was also actively involved in the recently concluded Tarang Shakti, the largest-ever multilateral air exercise.
As Vice Chief, Air Marshal Singh has played a crucial role in pushing for self-reliance in Indiaโs defence sector while navigating the challenges it brings. With his vast experience and leadership, he is expected to lead the IAF into a new era of modernization and strength.