- Test Pilot, Fighter Aviator and Strategic Commander Who Shaped India’s Air Power Modernisation
- Key Role in Kargil Operations, LCA Flight Testing and Operational Capability Development
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, DEC 31
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari retired as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force, on December 31, 2025, on superannuation, bringing to a close an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades of exemplary service to the nation.
Commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on June 7, 1986, Air Marshal Tiwari accumulated over 3,600 hours of flying experience on a wide range of aircraft. A Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot, he combined operational excellence with technical mastery, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the combat and test ecosystem of the IAF.
Operational Excellence and Strategic Leadership
During his distinguished career, Air Marshal Tiwari held a wide spectrum of key command, operational and staff appointments. His operational credentials include a critical role in operationalising the Litening Laser Designation Pod during the Kargil conflict in 1999, significantly enhancing the IAF’s precision strike capability.
He was closely associated with multiple phases of flight testing of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), contributing to one of India’s most important indigenous aerospace programmes. His academic and instructional contributions include serving as Directing Staff at the IAF Test Pilots’ School and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is also a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, USA.
Senior Appointments and National Recognition
Air Marshal Tiwari served as Air Attache at Paris from 2013 to 2016 and later held several senior leadership roles, including Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans), Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters (VB), and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command, before assuming charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership and distinguished service, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022) and Vayusena Medal (2008). In 2025, he was also decorated with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for exceptional service in operational roles.
His retirement marks the culmination of a career that significantly contributed to India’s air combat readiness, indigenous aviation capability and strategic force development.
