Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Air Marshal Walia takes charge of IAF Eastern Air Command
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has taken over as the new chief of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command.
He has had a long and successful career in the air force, flying many different types of planes and holding important positions.
He has won awards for his service and has even worked in other countries as a defense representative.
Before this new job, he was helping out at the same command he is now leading.
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the IAF's Eastern Air Command.
He succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh, who retired on January 31, 2026, after 39 years of service.
Walia has over 3,200 hours of accident-free flying experience on various aircraft.
He has held multiple command and staff positions, including commanding a MiG-27 Squadron and serving as a Defense Attache in Japan and South Korea.
Walia has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2008) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2018) for his distinguished service.
- Who
- Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia
- What
- Assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the IAF's Eastern Air Command
- When
- Sunday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Shillong, India
- Why
- Succeeding Air Marshal Surat Singh, who retired on January 31, 2026
- Name
- Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia
- Position
- Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command
- Commissioned
- June 11, 1988
- Flying Hours
- Over 3,200 hours
- Previous Command
- Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command
- Awards
- Vayu Sena Medal (2008), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2018)