Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 1 February 2026. He succeeded Air Marshal Surat Singh, who superannuated on 31 January 2026 after 39 years of service.
Profile of Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia:
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 1988.
Alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA).
Qualified on various fighter platforms including MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30 MKI.
Has logged over 3,200 accident-free flying hours in a distinguished career spanning over three decades.
Recognised as a Fighter Strike Leader and Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner (IRIE).
Completed Advanced Command & Staff Course (UK) and National Defence College programmes.
Served as Defence Attaché at Indian embassies in Japan and South Korea.
Awarded the VaySena Medal (VM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for distinguished service.
Eastern Air Command (EAC) — Strategic Importance:
One of the five operational commands of the IAF, headquartered at Shillong, Meghalaya.
Responsible for air operations across India’s eastern and northeastern sector, including safeguarding borders with China, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Plays a crucial role in air defence, offensive support, and humanitarian assistance in the region.
Operates several key air bases, including Tezpur, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Jorhat, Barrackpore and Hasimara.
Originally raised in 1958 as No.1 Operational Group and upgraded to a full command to strengthen eastern air defence after the 1962 Indo-China War.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
