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

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.