New Delhi: Air Marshal Tejpal Singh, AVSM, VM, on Saturday assumed charge as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) of the Indian Air Force, marking a significant leadership transition in the force.
On assuming office, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh paid homage to the nation’s fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, reaffirming the Indian Air Force’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
Commissioned as a fighter pilot in 1990, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh brings over 36 years of distinguished service and extensive operational experience to his new role. During his illustrious career, he has accumulated more than 3,500 flying hours on a variety of fighter aircraft.
A highly accomplished aviator, he is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor as well as an Experimental Test Pilot, reflecting his expertise in both advanced flight instruction and aircraft testing.
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh has held several important command, operational and staff appointments, making significant contributions to the Indian Air Force’s operational capability and professional excellence. In recognition of his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vayu Sena Medal (VM).
He succeeds Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, who retired on July 31, 2026, after rendering 39 years of distinguished service to the Indian Air Force.
As the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh will play a key role in overseeing the operational preparedness, capability development, force modernisation and strategic planning of the Indian Air Force, at a time when the service continues to strengthen its combat readiness and technological capabilities.