Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari Takes Charge as IAF Vice Chief: A War Hero with a Vision for the Skies

New Delhi | May 2, 2025 — In a significant development in India’s defence leadership, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari has officially taken over as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He succeeds Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, who superannuated on April 30, 2025. The appointment marks a defining moment for the IAF, as it welcomes a decorated officer known for his operational brilliance and deep technical acumen.

From Kargil to Tejas – A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Air Marshal Tiwari carries with him a stellar track record. His name is etched in the annals of Indian military history for playing a pivotal role in operationalising the Israeli ‘Litening’ laser designation pod during the Kargil War in 1999. This advanced targeting system significantly boosted India’s precision strike capabilities, enabling laser-guided bombs to home in with unmatched accuracy on enemy positions in the treacherous mountain terrain.

Champion of Indigenous Power: The Tejas Fighter Jet

Between 2006 and 2009, and again in 2018-19, Air Marshal Tiwari led the flight testing of India’s homegrown Tejas fighter aircraft. As Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, he played a crucial role in securing the final operational clearance of the aircraft. He also served as the Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in India’s defence aviation sector.

Command Experience and Flying Prowess

Before assuming the Vice Chief role, Air Marshal Tiwari served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command in Gandhinagar. A seasoned fighter pilot, he has flown both the Mirage 2000 and Tejas aircraft and boasts an impressive 3,600+ hours of flying experience. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, making him one of the most accomplished officers in the IAF.

From Dehradun to the Top Ranks of the IAF

Hailing from an academic and disciplined background, Tiwari completed his schooling from the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun. He joined the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, where he graduated in June 1985 with the President’s Gold Medal, a testament to his outstanding all-round performance. He was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in June 1986 and later went on to graduate from the Air Command and Staff College, USA, further honing his strategic capabilities.

A Visionary Leader for the New Age IAF

Air Marshal Tiwari’s appointment comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is undergoing rapid modernization with a strong emphasis on indigenous technologies and advanced combat strategies. With his combat-tested leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to national security, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari is expected to steer the IAF into a new era of operational excellence and strategic dominance.