Appointments 30 October 2026
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Appointed as New Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force
Why in the News?
**Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia** has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He succeeds Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Assumption of Office: He assumes charge of his new assignment, moving from his previous role as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command.
- Career & Service Background:
- An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), he was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on **June 11, 1988**.
- Throughout a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, he has flown multiple frontline fighter aircraft, including MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and various variants of the Sukhoi-30 MKI.
- He has commanded a frontline fighter squadron, the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and served as a Defence Attaché in Japan and South Korea.
- Gallantry & Service Awards: In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the **Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008** and the **Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018**.
Static GK Facts:
- Indian Air Force (IAF):
- Formed: **October 8, 1932** | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.
- Air Force Day: Observed annually on **October 8**.
- Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): **Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh** (serving since September 2024).
- Official Motto: **"Nabhah Sprishtam Deeptam"** (Touch the Sky with Glory).
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Who has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force?
A: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia
Q: Who is the current Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force?
A: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Q: On which date is Indian Air Force Day celebrated annually?
A: October 8
Q: In which year was Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia decorated with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)?
A: 2018
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