Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia AVSM VM has taken on the prestigious Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) role at Eastern Air Command (EAC), Indian Air Force. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Air Marshal Walia brings significant operational expertise and leadership to the Eastern Air Command.
A distinguished alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Walia was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 11th June 1988. Throughout his service, he has accumulated over 3200 hours of flying experience across various fighter aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-23 BN, MiG-27, Jaguar, and Su-30 MKI.
Air Marshal Walia has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and held key leadership roles, such as commanding the Tactical and Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and a key base in the Central Sector. His strategic contributions match his operational achievements, having served in various critical staff roles at both Command and Air Headquarters.
In addition to his military prowess, Air Marshal Walia has enhanced his international experience by serving as the Defence Attaché to Japan, showcasing his diplomatic and leadership capabilities. His last assignment before assuming the SASO role was as the Air Defence Commander (AD Cdr) at Western Air Command (WAC).
Air Marshal Walia was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018 for his distinguished service.
