The new IAF chief, ACM AP Singh (R), shakes hand with the outgoing chief, ACM VR Chaudhari, at the Air HQ, New Delhi, on September 30, 2024. (Photo: IAF)
New Delhi: Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh was promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal and officially took charge as the chief of air staff of the Indian Air Force on Monday. He succeeded Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, who retired after leading the IAF for three years.
The government had announced his elevation as the 28th IAF chief on September 21, as India Sentinels had reported.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh took over as new Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2024. He has succeeded Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari who superannuated today after completing his tenure of three years. pic.twitter.com/hoXEmHKytE
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 30, 2024
Born on October 27, 1964, ACM Singh has had a distinguished career since being commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot in December 1984. Over his nearly 40 years of service, he has held numerous key command, staff, and instructional roles.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari handed over command of #IndianAirForce today. On the occasion, he paid homage to the departed brave hearts at the #NationalWarMemorial in the morning before undertaking the traditional 'walk through' at the Vayu Bhawan. He was presented a… pic.twitter.com/FlmA6BIqfj
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 30, 2024
His notable achievements include leading No. 22 Squadron, which operated MiG-27s, and overseeing the MiG-29 upgrade project in Russia. As a test pilot, he played a major role in the flight testing of India’s indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
In addition to his flying experience, with over 5,000 hours logged on both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, ACM Singh has served as the vice-chief of the IAF before his promotion. Prior to becoming the vice-chief, he served as the air officer commanding in chief of the Prayagraj-headquartered Central Air Command.
His new responsibilities as chief of air staff will include overseeing the modernization of the IAF and managing strategic challenges, such as delays in the supply of the LCA Tejas Mark 1A.
ACM Singh is the fourth Sikh Air Force chief after Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh (August 1, 1964 – July 15, 1969), Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh (September 1, 1981 – September 3, 1983), Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa (January 1, 2017 – September 30, 2019).
During his career, the new IAF chief has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for his exceptional service. He is known for his passion for fitness and enjoys playing squash. He is married to Sarita Singh, and they have two children.
ACM Singh will likely serve as the chief of the IAF until he reaches the retirement age of 62, as per the rules for chiefs of the armed forces in India. Since he was born on October 27, 1964, and assumed office on September 30, 2024, he is expected to hold the position until his retirement in late October 2026.
