Who Is the New Chief of Eastern Air Command?

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has taken charge today, 1 February 2026, as the new Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force. A seasoned fighter pilot with over three decades of service, he brings vast operational, training, and strategic experience. His appointment comes at a crucial time when Eastern Air Command plays a key role in safeguarding India’s eastern airspace and maintaining operational readiness along sensitive borders.

Who Is Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia?

• Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia is a highly experienced fighter pilot and commander of the Indian Air Force.
• He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the IAF on 11 June 1988. Over a career spanning more than 35 years, he has built a reputation as a calm operational leader and a sharp strategist.
• His deep understanding of combat aviation and air operations makes him well-suited to lead one of the IAF’s most critical operational commands.

Flying Experience and Aircraft Expertise

• Air Marshal Walia is qualified on multiple frontline fighter aircraft, including MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and Su-30 MKI.
• He has logged over 3,200 hours of accident-free flying, reflecting exceptional professionalism and skill.
• A Fighter Strike Leader and Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner (IRIE), he has also contributed significantly to pilot training and combat preparedness.
• His flying background combines legacy platforms with modern multirole fighters, giving him a balanced operational perspective.

Key Command and Staff Appointments

• During his distinguished career, Air Marshal Walia has held several important command and staff roles.
• He has commanded a MiG-27 Squadron, led the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and served as Air Officer Commanding of a frontline air base.
• He has also worked as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters and as Air Defence Commander at HQ Western Air Command.
• Before his current appointment, he served as Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command.

Awards and Decorations

• In recognition of his exemplary service, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018.
• These honours reflect his professionalism, leadership qualities, and significant contributions to operational effectiveness and training within the Indian Air Force.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	New AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command
Officer	Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia
Commissioned	11 June 1988
Date of Charge	1, February 2026
Major Awards	VM (2008), AVSM (2018)
Predecessor	Air Marshal Surat Singh

Question

Q. Who has taken over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command in February 2026?

A. Air Marshal Surat Singh
B. Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
C. Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia
D. Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria