Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari Takes Over as IAF Vice Chief
New Delhi, May 2, 2025 — Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, took over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 2, 2025. A seasoned fighter pilot, decorated officer, and former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC), Air Marshal Tiwari’s appointment signals continuity and strategic leadership at the top levels of the Indian Air Force.
With an impressive 3,600 hours of flying experience and extensive operational and strategic exposure, his elevation is seen as a move to reinforce IAF’s preparedness and modernization goals.
A Stellar Career in Defence Aviation
Air Marshal Tiwari is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), the National Defence Academy (NDA), and the US Air Command and Staff College. Commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF, he has flown several frontline aircraft, including the MiG-21, Mirage-2000, and Su-30MKI.
As a qualified flying instructor and test pilot, he has held critical appointments like the Commandant of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), where he supervised flight testing of various indigenous and imported platforms, ensuring their combat readiness.
Leadership Roles and Operational Commands
Prior to his new appointment, Air Marshal Tiwari served as the AOC-in-C of SWAC, where he played a key role in overseeing IAF operations in western India. Under his leadership, SWAC enhanced joint operational preparedness with the Indian Army and conducted large-scale exercises involving frontline aircraft and support systems.
Earlier, he had also served in senior staff roles at Air Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence, contributing to procurement, policy-making, and strategic planning for India’s air defence capabilities.
Focus on Indigenisation and Joint Operations
His leadership comes at a crucial juncture as the IAF is undergoing a transformation involving the integration of indigenous aircraft, such as the LCA Tejas Mk-1A and AMCA, and enhanced jointness with the Army and Navy under the national theatre command framework.
Air Marshal Tiwari is expected to advance IAF’s focus on:
- Modernizing the fighter fleet and air defence systems
- Enhancing combat readiness through technology and training
- Strengthening indigenous capabilities under Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Promoting jointness in operations and planning
IAF’s Strategic Vision Under New Leadership
With Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari continuing as the Chief of the Air Staff, the synergy between the top brass is anticipated to provide strategic direction in bolstering national air power.
Air Marshal Tiwari’s appointment also holds symbolic significance — reflecting a generation of leaders who blend operational acumen with a forward-looking vision for air combat and aerospace dominance.