Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Takes Over as Chief of the Air Staff

New Delhi: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh officially assumed the role of Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) during a ceremony held at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) today, marking a significant transition in the leadership of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 21, 1984, Air Chief Marshal Singh is an esteemed alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and the National Defence College. With over 5,000 hours of service flying experience on various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, he is recognized as a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot.

Throughout his distinguished career, Air Chief Marshal Singh has held various operational positions, including Commanding Officer of a MiG-27 Squadron and Air Officer Commanding of an air base. Notably, as a test pilot, he led the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow and served as the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, overseeing the flight testing of the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft. Prior to his appointment as CAS, he served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Air Chief Marshal Singh addressed IAF personnel, expressing his honor and privilege at being entrusted with the leadership of the Air Force. He extended greetings to all Air Warriors, Non-Combatants (Enrolled), DSC personnel, civilians, and their families, reaffirming his faith in their unwavering support and dedication to maintaining the IAF’s operational capability at its peak.

In his address, he acknowledged the contributions of air veterans, attributing the IAF’s success to their exceptional efforts and dynamic leadership. Air Chief Marshal Singh outlined his vision for a “Sashakt, Saksham, and Atmanirbhar” IAF, urging commanders to adopt nurturing leadership styles and enhance cohesion and jointness within the force.