Air Marshal Tejinder Singh takes over as CISC
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VM, assumed office as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) on 1 July 2026. A highly accomplished fighter pilot and senior military leader, Air Marshal Singh brings to the appointment nearly four decades of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force, marked by operational excellence, strategic leadership and extensive experience in tri-service integration. His appointment places him at the helm of one of India’s most important joint military institutions, responsible for enhancing coordination, integration and joint operational planning among the three Armed Forces.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the 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 13 June 1987. Throughout his illustrious career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership while serving in a wide range of operational, command and strategic appointments. His extensive experience across multiple domains has contributed significantly to strengthening the operational capability and institutional effectiveness of the Indian Air Force.
A Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, Air Marshal Singh has accumulated more than 4,500 hours of flying experience on fighter aircraft during his distinguished career. His expertise as a fighter pilot and instructor has enabled him to play a vital role in pilot training, operational readiness and the development of combat capabilities within the Indian Air Force. His deep understanding of air operations and tactical employment of air power has earned him recognition as one of the service’s most accomplished aviation professionals.
The Air Marshal has held several important command appointments across operational formations of the Indian Air Force. He commanded a Fighter Squadron, demonstrating tactical leadership and operational excellence in frontline combat aviation. He subsequently commanded a Radar Station, strengthening India’s integrated air defence network, before taking charge of a premier Fighter Base responsible for maintaining high levels of operational preparedness. He also served as the Air Officer Commanding, Jammu & Kashmir, overseeing air operations in one of the country’s most strategically sensitive and operationally demanding regions.
Prior to assuming his present appointment, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command, one of the Indian Air Force’s key operational commands. In this capacity, he provided strategic direction across a vital operational theatre, ensuring combat readiness, force preparedness and effective integration of air power in support of national security objectives.
Throughout his distinguished career, Air Marshal Singh has also held a series of significant staff appointments that have broadened his expertise in operational planning, personnel management, defence finance, aerospace safety and strategic policy. His assignments include Operational Staff at a Command Headquarters, Air Commodore (Personnel Officers-1) at Air Headquarters, Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Financial Planning) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Air Commodore (Aerospace Safety), Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Offensive), Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Strategy), Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. These appointments have enabled him to contribute substantially to operational planning, force development, strategic capability enhancement and organisational reforms within the Indian Air Force and the broader defence establishment.
In addition to his operational and staff responsibilities, Air Marshal Singh served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training Command, where he oversaw the Indian Air Force’s extensive training ecosystem. His leadership in this appointment contributed significantly to enhancing training standards, professional military education and the development of future generations of air warriors, ensuring that the force remained prepared to meet evolving operational challenges.
As Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, Air Marshal Singh assumes a pivotal tri-service appointment responsible for promoting greater jointness, interoperability and integrated planning among the Army, Navy and Air Force. His rich operational experience, strategic outlook and extensive exposure to integrated defence structures position him well to advance India’s ongoing military transformation and strengthen joint operational capabilities.
In recognition of his exemplary service to the nation, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2007, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2022 and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2026. Upon assuming office, he paid homage to the nation’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and was accorded a ceremonial tri-service Guard of Honour. With his distinguished operational background and proven leadership, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh is well positioned to further strengthen integrated defence planning and enhance joint military capability in support of India’s national security objectives.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Air Marshal Tejinder Singh the very best.