From fighter pilot to the architect of integrated defence strategy
In short: With more than 4,500 hours of flight experience across various fighter jets, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has moved from the cockpit to the highest levels of command. His journey from a 1987 commission to becoming the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff showcases a career defined by both combat expertise and strategic leadership.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force's fighter stream on 13 June 1987, Tejinder Singh’s career is defined by a deep technical mastery of aerial warfare. Having attended the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, he possesses upwards of 4,500 flying hours. His skills cover various planes, such as the Hunter, SEPECAT Jaguar, Kiran, and HPT-32 ac, alongside serving as a 2nd pilot for Cheetah helicopters.
Beyond the cockpit, Singh has held pivotal instructional and operational roles. He is a Category A qualified flying instructor and has served as an Air Force Examiner at the Aircrew Examining Board. His leadership trajectory includes commanding No. 5 Squadron and overseeing the 47 Signal Unit radar station in the Western Sector. His administrative and strategic breadth is evident in his previous roles as the Principal Director of Aerospace Safety and Assistant Chief of Air Staff for both Operations (Offensive) and Strategy.
In recent years, Singh has ascended through the highest echelons of command. After serving as the Senior Air Staff Officer of the Eastern Air Command in 2023, he moved through roles as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training Command. As of 1 July 2026, he serves as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, a position central to the coordination of India's various military branches, succeeding Air Marshal Ashutoga Dixit. His distinguished service is marked by the Vayu Sena Medal (2007), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026).
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Tejinder Singh (air marshal)
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