NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 1
In a career spanning nearly four decades of distinguished military service, decorated fighter pilot Air Marshal Tejinder Singh on Wednesday assumed charge as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, stepping into one of India’s most significant tri-service leadership positions.
From the Cockpit to the Command Centre: Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Begins India’s Top Tri-Service Assignment
- Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumes charge as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).
- A decorated fighter pilot with over 4,500 flying hours, he brings nearly four decades of operational and strategic military experience.
- The Air Marshal began his tenure by paying tribute to India’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial and receiving a ceremonial tri-service Guard of Honour.
- His appointment reinforces India’s push towards greater jointness and integration among the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The appointment marks another milestone in the journey of an officer who has spent thousands of hours in the cockpit, commanded key operational formations and helped shape India’s evolving military strategy.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 13, 1987. A Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, he has logged more than 4,500 flying hours, reflecting decades of operational excellence and aviation expertise.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has commanded a fighter squadron, a radar station, a premier fighter base, and served as the Air Officer Commanding, Jammu & Kashmir, handling some of the country’s most strategically sensitive responsibilities.
Before taking over the new assignment, he headed the South Western Air Command as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C). His extensive staff experience includes appointments in operations, personnel management, aerospace safety, financial planning, offensive strategy, training and integrated defence planning, making him one of the Indian Air Force’s most versatile senior commanders.
Recognising his outstanding contributions to national security, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has been conferred the Vayu Sena Medal (2007), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022) and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026).
In a poignant beginning to his new role, the Air Marshal first laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, paying homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. He was later accorded a ceremonial tri-service Guard of Honour, symbolising the spirit of unity among India’s Army, Navy and Air Force.
His appointment comes at a time when India continues to deepen military integration and strengthen joint operational capabilities, with the Integrated Defence Staff playing a pivotal role in enhancing coordination among the three armed services and supporting national security planning.
