Overview
- Air Marshal Tejpal Singh took charge as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff on Saturday, August 1, 2026, following an official Ministry of Defence statement.
- He succeeded Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, who superannuated after 39 years of service at the end of July.
- The ministry noted Singh was commissioned as a fighter pilot on June 16, 1990, has over 3,500 flying hours, and holds Category A Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot qualifications.
- On taking charge, Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial to pay homage to those who died in service, and his decorations include the Vayu Sena Medal (2011) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2021).
- The same day Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod assumed charge as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, underscoring coordinated senior appointments across services and maintaining continuity in operational and staff leadership.