Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal Takes Over as Chief of Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal, AVSM, VM, has taken over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), of the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command on 1st November 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Air Marshal Deswal was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 1989 and has accumulated over 3200 flight hours and has held several key operational and command roles.

Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal Took Charge Over Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Deswal has officially taken charge of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) in Eastern Air Command, on 1st of November 2026, as per the Ministry of Defense.

Air Marshal Deswal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 14th June 1989 and has held several operational and staff appointments throughout his over three-decade career.

In his most recent role, Air Marshal Deswal held the position of Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at the Headquarters of the South Western Air Command (SWAC). This appointment puts a highly experienced fighter pilot and senior commander in charge of one of the IAF’s main operational commands.

Career Highlights

Air Marshal Deswal has an impressive background with over 3200 flight hours on a variety of fighter aircraft. He is an expert in strike and air defense and is qualified as a Pilot Attack Instructor.

Throughout his career Air Marshal Deswal has held several key roles, including,

• Fighter Squadron: Commanded a frontline Sukhoi Su-30 fighter squadron.
• Air Base: Air Officer Commanding of two different air bases.
• South Western Air Command: Senior Air Staff Officer.
• Air Headquarters: Director General (Weapon Systems).
• Air Attaché: Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in Pakistan.

This demonstrates a breadth of experience from fighter aircraft, air defense, operational planning, weapon systems and military administration.

Background and Awards

Air Marshal Deswal is a graduate of two prestigious defense institutions,

• National Defense Academy (NDA): Joint services academy for officer cadets of the Indian Armed Forces.
• National Defense College (NDC): Higher-level training for senior military and civilian officers focused on national security and strategic studies.

Air Marshal Deswal has also been awarded two highly prestigious awards:

• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM): Highly prestigious award given for distinguished service of the highest order.
• Vayu Sena Medal (VM): Award within the Indian Air Force for outstanding individual acts of devotion to duty or bravery.

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Appointed Vice Chief of the Air Staff

Air Marshal Deswal has been appointed as the new head of Eastern Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia who has been appointed as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) on 1st November 2026.

Prior to his new role, Air Marshal Walia was acting as the AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command since 1st February 2026. Air Marshal Walia was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 11th June 1988.

Air Marshal Walia has replaced Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Vice Chief. Air Marshal Dixit has been appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.

About Eastern Air Command

Eastern Air Command (EAC) is one of the five operational commands of the Indian Air Force. It is based out of Upper Shillong in Meghalaya and is responsible for conducting air operations in the eastern and north-eastern parts of India.

It is responsible for operations in 12 different states and has a lengthy international border with China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The command also carries out Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and is always on alert, conducting exercises and deploying fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters and ground based weapon systems.

History of Eastern Air Command

• Formed as No. 1 Operational Group at Ranikutir, Kolkata on 27th May 1958.
• Upgraded to Eastern Air Command, with headquarters at Fort William, Kolkata on 1st December 1959.
• Decision made to form command with headquarters in Shillong following the 1962 India-China War.
• Headquarters: Upper Shillong, Meghalaya.
• Motto: Samareshu Parakram (Valour in Battle).