How a veteran test pilot rose to lead the Indian Air Force

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: With over 5,000 hours in the cockpit and a career spanning four decades, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has transitioned from experimental test pilot to the 28th Chief of the Air Staff. His leadership marks a pivotal shift toward prioritizing indigenous defense technology over international procurement for India.

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force fighter stream in December 1984, Amar Preet Singh built his reputation through technical expertise and operational command. His background as an experimental test pilot proved crucial to his career, particularly during his time leading the MiG-29 upgrade team in Moscow and his instrumental role in flight testing the HAL Tejas. These experiences at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment and the National Flight Test Center provided him with a deep understanding of aviation engineering that informs his current strategic outlook.

His ascent through the ranks saw him command the No. 22 squadron and serve in key roles across the Central and Eastern Air Commands. By February 2023, he became the 47th Vice Chief of the Air Staff, where he oversaw the multinational Tarang Shakti exercise. During this period, he actively promoted the capabilities of the Tejas aircraft by flying sorties alongside other high-ranking military officials, signaling a commitment to showcasing domestic hardware on the global stage.

Since assuming the role of Chief of the Air Staff in September 2024, Singh has maintained a firm stance on defense industrialization. While he remains a vocal advocate for indigenous systems, he has not shied away from holding domestic manufacturers accountable. In February 2025, he publicly challenged Hindustan Aeronautics Limited regarding production delays for the Tejas fighter. His leadership reflects a broader institutional push to reduce reliance on foreign imports, balancing national pride with the practical demands of maintaining a modern, combat-ready air force.

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