Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh: India's Next Air Force Chief

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh has been appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. Singh, born in 1964, has nearly 40 years of distinguished service and is a qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot.

Appointment and Backgrund

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Air Force.
Will succeed Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on September 30, 2024.
Born on October 27, 1964; commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot in December 1984.
Nearly 40 years of distinguished service in various roles.
Alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College.
Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot with over 5,000 hours of flying experience.
Known for his sharp analytical mind, approachability, and good sense of humor.
Prioritizes fitness and work-life balance; enjoys long-distance running, squash, and cooking.

Career Highlights and Expertise

Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Commanded an operational fighter squadron and a frontline airbase.
Led the MiG-29 upgrade project management team in Moscow.
Served as Project Director (Flight Test) at National Flight Test Centre, overseeing Tejas LCA testing.
Held key positions: Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command, Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command.
Instrumental in driving self-reliance in defense while addressing associated challenges.
Led the largest-ever multilateral air exercise 'Tarang Shakti'.
Recently flew the indigenous Tejas fighter jet, showcasing its importance and efficiency.

Challenges and Future Focus

Takes charge of the world's fourth-largest air force amid ongoing modernization efforts.
Will oversee the integration of locally produced military hardware.
Responsible for guiding IAF's role in the theaterisation process, a key military reform.
Must address the ongoing military standoff with China in the Ladakh sector.
Faces challenges with the LCA Mk-1A program, including delays and concerns about combat effectiveness.
Needs to manage key modernization programs:
- Sukhoi-30 upgrade (₹65,000 crore project)
- Induction of more Prachand light combat helicopters
- Potential contract for 97 additional LCA Mk-1As (₹67,000 crore)
Must address issues with F404 engine supply from GE Aerospace for the LCA Mk-1A program.
Balancing self-reliance initiatives with national security requirements.

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