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New Year, New Command: Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Takes Charge at SWAC
Summary: Highly decorated fighter pilot Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s South Western Air Command on 1 January 2026, reinforcing IAF’s operational leadership at a critical time.
New Delhi,01 January 2026: In a significant leadership development for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Tejinder Singh formally assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC) on 1 January 2026. The command plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s western airspace and maintaining high operational readiness.
After taking over his new appointment, the Air Marshal paid heartfelt tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the War Memorial, reaffirming the Indian Air Force’s enduring commitment to honour, sacrifice and service to the nation.
A Career Rooted in Operational Excellence
An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Air Marshal Tejinder Singh was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 13 June 1987. Over the years, he has emerged as one of the most experienced and respected fighter pilots in the service.
He is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor with more than 4,500 hours of accident-free flying, a testament to his professional competence, instructional expertise and operational discipline. His vast flying experience spans multiple fighter aircraft and diverse mission profiles.
Strong Academic and Strategic Foundation
The Air Marshal has undergone advanced professional military education at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the National Defence College (NDC), equipping him with deep insights into joint warfare, defence planning and national security strategy.
Command and Leadership Experience
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh’s career reflects a rare blend of field command, operational planning and strategic leadership. He has commanded:
- A frontline Fighter Squadron
- A Radar Station
- A premier Fighter Base
- Served as Air Officer Commanding, Jammu & Kashmir, a region of high operational sensitivity
His staff and policy-level appointments include several key roles at Air Headquarters and Integrated Defence Staff, such as:
- Operational Staff at Command Headquarters
- Air Commodore (Personnel Officers-I), Air HQ
- Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Financial Planning), HQ IDS
- Air Commodore (Aerospace Safety)
- Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Operations (Offensive)
- Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Operations (Strategy)
- Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command
- Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan)
Immediately prior to this appointment, he served as AOC-in-C, Training Command, where he played a pivotal role in modernising training systems and nurturing the next generation of Indian Air Force air warriors.
Decorations and National Recognition
In recognition of his distinguished service and exceptional leadership, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has been honoured with:
- Vayu Sena Medal (VSM) – 2007
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2022
Both awards were conferred by the Hon’ble President of India, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to national defence.
Strategic Importance of the Appointment
The appointment of Air Marshal Tejinder Singh as AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is focused on force modernisation, enhanced jointness, technological integration and rapid operational response. His vast operational exposure and strategic acumen are expected to further strengthen the combat readiness and mission effectiveness of the Command.
Keywords: Air Marshal Tejinder Singh IAF,South Western Air Command AOC-in-C,Indian Air Force Senior Appointments 2026
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