Air Marshal Surat Singh takes charge of Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Surat Singh assumed command as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force, on Monday. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986. Over his distinguished career, Air Marshal Singh has flown multiple fighter aircraft, including various versions of the MiG-21, MiG-29, and Su-30 MKI, accumulating over 2,900 hours of flying experience.
His academic credentials include graduation from the Command and Staff College in Australia and the National Defence College in Bangladesh. His vast experience encompasses operational flying, training, and several high-level staff assignments. He has commanded a MiG-29 squadron, the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), an air defence node, and a fighter station.
In staff roles, he has held prominent positions at Air Headquarters, including Director at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, Air-I at South-Western Air Command, Principal Director at the Directorates of Personnel (Officers) and Operations (Offensive), and Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Space). Prior to his current role, he served as Director General Air Operations at Air Headquarters.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Air Marshal Singh has been honoured with several prestigious awards: the Vayu Sena Medal (2006), the Vishisht Seva Medal (2011), and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2015).