In a significant leadership change, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh officially took charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC) on Thursday. The ceremony, held in Ahmedabad, marks a new chapter for one of the Indian Air Force's pivotal operational commands.
A Storied Career Takes a New Command
Upon assuming his prestigious new role, Air Marshal Singh commenced his tenure by paying solemn homage to fallen heroes at a war memorial, honoring the legacy of sacrifice he now stewards. His appointment follows an illustrious and diverse career spanning over three and a half decades.
An alumnus of the esteemed National Defence Academy, Singh was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on June 13, 1987. His flying credentials are exceptional, holding the status of a Category 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor with an impressive log of over 4,500 hours in the air. He further honed his strategic acumen at the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College.
Vast Operational and Staff Experience
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh's career is a testament to varied and critical postings across the IAF. His command appointments have been both challenging and prestigious:
- Command of a frontline fighter squadron.
- Leadership of a radar station.
- Command of a premier fighter base.
- Air Officer Commanding for the sensitive Jammu and Kashmir region.
His expertise was also sought in numerous key staff roles. These included operational planning at a Command Headquarters, serving as Air Commodore (Personnel Officers-I) and later as Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Operations (both Offensive and Strategy) at Air Headquarters in Vayu Bhawan. He also served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command and as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.
Immediately prior to his current elevation, he served as the AOC-in-C of the IAF's Training Command, a role crucial for shaping the future of the force.
Accolades and the Road Ahead
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh's distinguished service has been recognized with two of the nation's high military honors. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2007 for exceptional service in the air and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, presented by the President of India for his most distinguished service.
His assumption of command at the South Western Air Command places a seasoned warrior and strategist at the helm. With his deep operational experience, from the cockpit to strategic headquarters, he is poised to guide SWAC in safeguarding the nation's vital airspace in the western sector. The IAF looks forward to his leadership in enhancing the operational readiness and capabilities of the command.
