Air Marshal Tejpal Singh Takes Over as Deputy Chief of the Indian Air Force

Air Marshal Tejpal Singh officially took over the position of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) on August 1, 2026, marking a significant moment in the operational hierarchy of the Indian Air Force. Known for his extensive experience and decorated career as a fighter pilot, Singh steps into this critical role following the appointment of Air Marshal A.K. Bharti as Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

Since his commission into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 16, 1990, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh has dedicated over 36 years to the service. With more than 3,500 hours of flying across various fighter aircraft, he holds qualifications as a Category 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, underlining his status as one of the Air Force's elite aviators.

His foundational training at the National Defence Academy set the stage for a career marked by professional excellence. After his initial service with MiG-21 squadrons, he became a Flying Instructor in 1998, finishing at the top of his class in both flying and aerobatics. His subsequent enrollment in the Flight Test Course further distinguished him, earning him the title of Best Test Pilot and paving the way for a successful trajectory in aircraft evaluation and operational advancement.

During his tenure at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Air Marshal Singh significantly contributed to key aviation projects. His involvement included the integration of an electronic warfare suite on the MiG-21 Bison, the evaluation of the Su-30MKI during its initial phases, and modification support for the Su-30K aircraft ahead of Exercise Garuda. His technical acumen was instrumental in the induction and refinement of these critical combat platforms.

As Commanding Officer of No. 23 Squadron at Suratgarh from 2008 to 2010, he led the unit to notable operational successes. Under his command, the squadron enhanced its readiness, executed multiple weapon-firing exercises like the R-73 missile firings, and earned two trophies at the annual gunnery meet. His leadership also facilitated the development of a UAV interception briefing module, bolstering the Indian Air Force's counter-drone capabilities.

In 2011, Air Marshal Singh's exemplary service was acknowledged with the Vayu Sena Medal, recognizing his leadership and technical expertise in operational preparedness and the induction of advanced combat systems.

Throughout his career, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh has held numerous key command, staff, and diplomatic roles. He served as India's Defence Attaché in Israel, enhancing bilateral defence ties. At Air Headquarters, he fulfilled significant positions, including Air Commodore (Intelligence) and Air Assistant to the Chief of the Air Staff, providing strategic support to high-level leadership.

As Air Officer Commanding of No. 11 Wing in Tezpur, he managed operational duties in the crucial eastern sector. After his promotion to Air Vice Marshal, he led the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru, overseeing flight testing and the integration of state-of-the-art aviation technologies into the Air Force.

Before his current appointment, Air Marshal Singh served as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans), where he was in charge of long-term capability development, force planning, infrastructure growth, and the strategic modernisation of the Indian Air Force.

His outstanding service and leadership were further recognized with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2021, adding to his earlier accolade, the Vayu Sena Medal.

As Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh is set to oversee force planning, the enhancement of operational capabilities, modernisation efforts, and strategic policy development at Air Headquarters. His comprehensive expertise as a fighter pilot, instructor, test pilot, and senior planner is anticipated to be pivotal in the Indian Air Force's evolution into a cutting-edge, network-centric aerospace force, prepared to address future security challenges.