Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command (SWAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 01 January 2026. On taking over the prestigious operational command, the Air Marshal paid homage to the fallen heroes at the war memorial, reaffirming the IAF’s enduring commitment to service and sacrifice.
Distinguished Career in the Indian Air Force
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Air Marshal Tejinder Singh was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on 13 June 1987. A Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, he has accumulated over 4,500 hours of flying experience across a wide spectrum of aircraft. His professional education includes graduation from the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the National Defence College (NDC), reflecting a strong foundation in operational art and strategic leadership.
Extensive Command and Operational Experience
Throughout his illustrious career, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has held a range of key command appointments, underscoring his deep operational expertise:
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Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron
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Commander of a Radar Station
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Commandant of a premier Fighter Base
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Air Officer Commanding, Jammu and Kashmir, a critically sensitive operational theatre
These roles provided him with hands-on experience in air defence, combat operations, and joint operational environments.
Key Strategic and Staff Appointments
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has also served in several senior staff and policy-making roles at Command, Air Headquarters, and Integrated Defence Staff, including:
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Operational Staff at a Command Headquarters
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Air Commodore (Personnel Officers-I) at Air Headquarters
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Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Financial Planning) at HQ IDS
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Air Commodore (Aerospace Safety)
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Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations – Offensive)
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Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations – Strategy) at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan)
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Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command
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Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters (VB)
Prior to assuming his current role, he served as the AOC-in-C, Training Command, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of IAF air warriors.
Decorations and Honours
In recognition of his exemplary and meritorious service, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has been conferred with prestigious honours by the Hon’ble President of India:
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Vayu Sena Medal (2007)
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Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022)
These awards reflect his sustained contributions to operational excellence, leadership, and institutional development.
Conclusion
The appointment of Air Marshal Tejinder Singh as AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command brings to the role a seasoned fighter pilot, strategist, and commander with decades of operational and leadership experience. His assumption of command comes at a critical juncture, with SWAC playing a vital role in safeguarding India’s western airspace. Under his leadership, the command is poised to further strengthen operational readiness, training standards, and strategic effectiveness of the Indian Air Force.
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Source: PIB
