Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh has been appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Air Force, set to take over on September 30. He will succeed Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, who is retiring after a three-year tenure in the top position.
At 59 years old, Singh brings extensive experience, having been closely involved in the development of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, a key platform for the IAF’s future combat capabilities. He will step into the role of Air Chief Marshal at a critical time as the Indian Air Force modernizes its fleet with domestically produced military hardware, prepares for the theaterisation of the armed forces, and manages a prolonged military standoff with China in the Ladakh region.
Singh, currently serving as the IAF’s Vice Chief, is a highly accomplished fighter pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight experience. Commissioned in December 1984, his distinguished career spans nearly four decades, including command and staff roles, as well as leadership positions in international and instructional capacities.
He has led an operational fighter squadron, commanded a frontline airbase, and headed the MiG-29 upgrade project in Moscow. Singh also served as the project director at the National Flight Test Centre in Bengaluru, where he was responsible for flight testing the Tejas LCA Mk-1. His other roles include Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command, and Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College, Singh is also a qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot.
As Singh takes charge, he faces significant challenges, including delays in the LCA Mk-1A program, which is vital to IAF’s combat strength. The ₹48,000-crore contract for 83 LCA Mk-1A fighters is expected to be completed by 2028-29, but concerns about meeting this deadline persist. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer, has been urged to expedite the program, and a contract for 97 additional LCA Mk-1A jets, worth ₹67,000 crore, is likely to be signed by the end of the year.
The delays are largely due to the slow supply of F404 engines from GE Aerospace. The U.S.-based company has committed to delivering two engines per month starting in November 2024.
Additionally, Singh will oversee other major modernization projects, including the ₹65,000-crore upgrade of the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets and the induction of more Prachand light combat helicopters. The Su-30 upgrade will involve equipping the aircraft with advanced indigenous technologies, including AESA radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and new weaponry.
