Air Marshal Tejpal Singh Begins New Role as Deputy Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal Tejpal Singh AVSM VM on Saturday assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti who retired after a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades.

Following his appointment, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh paid tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and honouring the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country.

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on 16 June 1990, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh brings with him over 3,500 hours of flying experience. He is a Category A Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, with extensive expertise in aviation operations and training.

Throughout his career, Air Marshal Singh has held several key operational, command and staff appointments within the Air Force, contributing to the service’s strategic and operational capabilities.

Recognising his exceptional service, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2011) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2021) by the President of India.

Air Marshal Tejpal Singh has taken over the crucial position from Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti SYSM AVSM VM, who superannuated on 31 July 2026 after completing 39 years of service marked by significant contributions to the Indian Air Force.