New Delhi: Air Marshal Tejpal Singh AVSM VM assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff on August 1, 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti SYSM AVSM VM, who superannuated on July 31 after 39 years of distinguished service.
On assuming office, Air Marshal Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying homage to the brave personnel who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on June 16, 1990, Air Marshal Singh has logged more than 3,500 flying hours during his career. He is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, and has held several key operational, command and staff appointments in the Indian Air Force.
The Air Marshal has been honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal in January 2011 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in January 2021 by the President of India in recognition of his distinguished service.
His appointment comes as the Indian Air Force continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and leadership structure. As Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Singh is expected to contribute to force planning, operational preparedness and capability development.
Air Marshal Singh takes over from Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti SYSM AVSM VM, who retired on July 31, 2026, after nearly four decades of service in the Indian Air Force.
