When a fighter jet takes flight towards the sky piercing the speed of sound, the courage of the pilot sitting in the cockpit becomes the first shield of the country’s security. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (AP Singh) is a living example of this courage, technical expertise, and tireless hard work. With over 5,000 hours of flying experience in the depths of the blue sky, this brave warrior has not only made the roar of the Indian Air Force felt across the world but has also made a huge contribution in preparing and inducting fighter jets like the made-in-India ‘Tejas’ (LCA Tejas) into the Air Force. Today, he is serving the country and the tricolor as the 28th Chief of Air Staff.
Early Journey of Military Life
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh was born on October 27, 1964. Having a fondness for airplanes and military discipline since childhood, Amar Preet enrolled in the National Defence Academy (NDA) after completing his early education. After undergoing rigorous physical and mental training at the NDA, he was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 21, 1984. Through his exceptional ability, he acquired higher military education from the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the National Defence College, New Delhi. During his illustrious tenure of four decades, he has fulfilled every responsibility with great courage and professional expertise.
Long Experience of Exceptional Flying
A.P. Singh is counted among the most skilled and accomplished pilots of the Indian Air Force. He is not just a fighter pilot, but also a Qualified Flying Instructor as well as an Experimental Test Pilot. He has an experience of over 5,000 hours of successful flying on various types of fighter, training, and transport aircraft. From MiG-21 to modern aircraft like the MiG-29 and Sukhoi, he has successfully completed many complex missions in all kinds of weather and challenging situations. This professional expertise of his has taken the combat readiness of the Air Force to new heights.
Contribution to the Tejas Project
The name of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh is recorded in golden letters in the history of India’s indigenous defense manufacturing. His role in the development and testing of the Light Combat Aircraft ‘LCA Tejas’ made with indigenous technology has been crucial. He served as the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) and led the flight testing of Tejas. As a test pilot, he made a significant contribution to resolving the technical flaws of this new aircraft and making it worthy of combat use. He also brought glory to the country on foreign soil; providing exemplary technical leadership in enhancing the combat capability of Indian fighter jets while leading the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow (Russia).
Important Commands and High Positions
During his distinguished service, he has worked at every major position from the ground level to the headquarters. He was the Commanding Officer of a MiG-27 Squadron and served as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of a major frontline air force base on the western border. Later, he became the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the Eastern Air Command and the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Central Air Command. In February 2023, he assumed office as the Vice Chief of Air Staff, where he led the modernization, procurement processes, and operational readiness of the Air Force. Following this, on September 30, 2024, he took over the command of the country’s air force as the 28th Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.
Combat Exercises and Strategic Leadership
Air Chief Marshal Singh has led many major national and international air exercises to make the Indian Air Force proficient in multi-faceted combat strategies. His strategic thinking was clearly reflected in the organization of the recent historic multi-national air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’, where the air forces of major countries from around the world conducted joint war exercises in India. He lays special emphasis on the mutual coordination of modern digital warfare systems, drone technology, cyber security, and air defense networks, so that the country’s aerial border remains impenetrable during a dual border challenge.
Thought of Indigenization and Self-Reliance
The main objective of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh is to completely free the Indian Air Force from dependence on foreign weapons. He has been a leading supporter of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaign. He believes that future wars can only be won by a country that has its own domestic weapons and technology. He has accelerated the process of new innovations by collaborating with the private sector, start-ups, and DRDO within the Air Force. After his assumption of office, there has been major progress in the manufacturing of new-generation stealth fighter jets (AMCA) and missile systems.
National Awards and Honors
For his outstanding and selfless services to the country, he has been honored with several prestigious national awards. For his exceptional military service, he was awarded the ‘Param Vishisht Seva Medal’ (PVSM) in 2023 and the ‘Ati Vishisht Seva Medal’ (AVSM) in 2019 by the President of India. Furthermore, these prestigious honors bear testimony to his efficiency, leadership, and unwavering dedication towards the Indian Air Force.
Retirement and Inspiration for the Future
While strengthening the country’s air defense infrastructure, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh is retiring on October 31, 2026, upon completing his designated age of 62 years. This journey of four decades will be recorded as a golden page in the history of the Indian Air Force. Through his discipline, technical foresight, and hard work, he has set a high standard before young pilots and upcoming officers. His life, touching the heights of the sky, will always continue to give a message of service to the nation, bravery, and courage to the coming generations.
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