IndianBureaucracy.com Network | In a significant development for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari PVSM AVSM VM took over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 02 May 2025. A highly decorated officer with an illustrious service record, Air Marshal Tiwari brings with him a wealth of operational experience, strategic acumen, and visionary leadership.
An alumnus of the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, Air Marshal Tiwari joined the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, where he graduated with distinction, earning the President’s Gold Medal in June 1985. He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on 07 June 1986 and has since logged over 3,600 flying hours on a diverse range of aircraft. A Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, he is also a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, USA.
Known for his pioneering contributions to flight testing and operational evaluation, Air Marshal Tiwari played a pivotal role in operationalising the ‘Litening’ Laser Designation Pod during the Kargil conflict. He was also deeply involved in the flight testing and Final Operational Clearance of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), having served as Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre.
His academic and instructional credentials are equally commendable, having served as Directing Staff at the IAF Test Pilots’ School and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He also served with distinction as Air Attache in Paris between 2013 and 2016 and later held the post of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ (VB).
Before his current appointment, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command, demonstrating exemplary leadership and operational foresight. In recognition of his meritorious service, the Air Marshal has been conferred with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and the Vayu Sena Medal (2008).
Air Marshal Tiwari is married to Mrs. Richa Tiwari, a postgraduate in Cytology, and the couple is blessed with two daughters. His appointment as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff marks a new chapter in the IAF’s journey towards operational excellence and strategic advancement.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari the very best.
