Air Marshal India – In this article, we focus on the military rank, roles and responsibilities, salary, how to become Air Marshal within the Indian Air Force, where Air Marshals play a critical role in commanding air operations, overseeing strategic planning, and ensuring national security through aerial dominance.
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What is an Air Marshal?
An Air Marshal is a high-ranking officer in an air force, typically holding a senior position within the military hierarchy. In the context of the Indian Air Force (IAF), an Air Marshal is a three-star rank, making it the second-highest active rank, just below the four-star rank of Air Chief Marshal, which is reserved for the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). Globally, the term "air marshal" can also refer to federal air marshals, who are law enforcement officers responsible for in-flight security on commercial aircraft.
Air Marshal India
In India, the rank of Air Marshal has been integral to the IAF since its inception in 1932, with significant evolution post-independence in 1947. Air Marshals hold key appointments, such as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the IAF’s seven commands (e.g., Central Air Command, Eastern Air Command) or senior staff roles at Air Headquarters, including Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Senior Air Marshals in the C-in-C grade are considered a step above others, holding the most critical operational and strategic positions. Historically, from 1947 to 1966, the Chief of the Air Staff was an Air Marshal before the position was upgraded to Air Chief Marshal in 1966, with ACM Arjan Singh being the first to hold the elevated rank.
List of Present Air Marshal of India 2025
As of May 22, 2025, several Air Marshals hold prominent positions in the IAF. Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who assumed the role of Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2024, is the senior-most operational officer, though he holds the four-star rank of Air Chief Marshal.
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| Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, 2024 |
Below him, Air Marshals in key roles include:
| Name | Post | Rank |
|---|---|---|
Chief of the Air Staff (Air Chief Marshal rank) |
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| Amar Preet Singh | Chief of the Air Staff | Air Chief Marshal |
Vice Chief |
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| Narmdeshwar Tiwari | Vice Chief of the Air Staff | Air Marshal |
Air Commanders |
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| Balakrishnan Manikantan | AOC-in-C, Central Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Surat Singh | AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Nagesh Kapoor | AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Jeetendra Mishra | AOC-in-C, Western Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Tejinder Singh | AOC-in-C, Training Command | Air Marshal |
| Vijay Kumar Garg | AOC-in-C, Maintenance Command | Air Marshal |
| Saju Balakrishnan | C-in-C, Andaman and Nicobar Command | Air Marshal |
| Ashutosh Dixit | Chief of Integrated Defence Staff | Air Marshal |
Principal Staff Officers |
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| Rajesh Kumar Anand | Air Officer in Charge of Administration | Air Marshal |
| Sunil Kashinath Vidhate | Air Officer in Charge of Personnel | Air Marshal |
| Ajay Kumar Arora | Air Officer in Charge of Maintenance | Air Marshal |
Heads of Directorates |
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| Makarand Ranade | Director General of Inspection and Flight Safety | Air Marshal |
| Awadhesh Kumar Bharti | Director General of Air Operations | Air Marshal |
| Alok Singh | Director General (Aircraft) | Air Marshal |
| Venkataramanan Rajasekhar | Director General (Systems) | Air Marshal |
| Sandeep Thareja | Director General of Medical Services (Air) | Air Marshal |
| Rajesh Kumar Anand | Director General (Administration) | Air Marshal |
Tri-Services Command Officers |
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| Rakesh Sinha | Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) | Air Marshal |
| MS Sridhar | Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical Branch) | Air Marshal |
Senior Staff Officers |
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| George Thomas | Senior Air Staff Officer, Central Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Inderpal Singh Walia | Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Tarun Chaudhry | Senior Air Staff Officer, Southern Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Manish Khanna | Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Praveen Keshav Vohra | Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command | Air Marshal |
| Tejbir Singh | Senior Air Staff Officer, Training Command | Air Marshal |
Commandants of Training Institutions |
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| Hardeep Bains | Commandant, National Defence College | Air Marshal |
| Seethepalli Shrinivas | Commandant, Air Force Academy | Air Marshal |
This table consolidates all serving Air Marshals of the Indian Air Force as of May 22, 2025. It includes the Chief of the Air Staff (Air Chief Marshal rank), Vice Chief, Air Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, Heads of Directorates, Tri-Services Command officers, Senior Staff Officers, and Commandants of Training Institutions. These officers, with their extensive experience, lead critical commands, ensuring operational readiness and training excellence across the IAF.
Note : Rajesh Kumar Anand appears twice as he holds two distinct posts. Unspecified positions or those held by other services (e.g., Navy officers) are excluded.
Air Marshal In-Flight
In a different context, "air marshal" refers to federal air marshals, or sky marshals, who are armed law enforcement officers deployed on commercial flights to counter threats like hijacking or terrorism.
In India, sky marshals were introduced in 1999 following the hijacking of Air India flight IC 814. Managed by the National Security Guard (NSG), Indian sky marshals operate on sensitive domestic and international routes, such as flights to Kabul, Kathmandu, and certain Middle Eastern destinations.
They travel undercover, carrying firearms, and are trained for close-quarters combat and precise marksmanship to neutralize threats without endangering passengers or the aircraft.
Roles of Sky Marshals in India
Sky marshals, also known as air marshals in a law enforcement context, are armed security officers deployed on commercial flights to ensure safety and counter threats like hijacking or terrorism. In India, they are managed by the National Security Guard (NSG) and have been operational since the 1999 hijacking of Air India flight IC 814. Their roles include:
- Threat Prevention and Response: Sky marshals operate covertly, blending in as passengers to monitor for suspicious activity. They are trained to neutralize threats, such as hijackers or terrorists, using minimal force to avoid endangering passengers or the aircraft.
- In-Flight Security: They provide an onboard security presence on high-risk domestic and international routes, such as flights to Kabul, Kathmandu, and certain Middle Eastern destinations, especially amid rising bomb threats reported in 2024.
- Close-Quarters Combat: Sky marshals are skilled in hand-to-hand combat and precise marksmanship, enabling them to handle threats in the confined space of an aircraft without causing collateral damage.
- Coordination with Authorities: They liaise with ground-based security agencies, airline crew, and law enforcement to manage potential threats, ensuring seamless communication during emergencies.
- Training and Preparedness: Sky marshals undergo rigorous training in tactical response, behavioral analysis, and firearm use under pressure. They are prepared to make split-second decisions in high-stress situations.
Recent reports indicate India plans to double the number of sky marshals on sensitive flights due to increased security concerns, highlighting their critical role in aviation safety.
List of Historical Air Marshals of India
The IAF has a storied history of leadership, with many Air Marshals rising to the rank of Chief of the Air Staff. Below is a list of notable Air Marshals who served as CAS, reflecting the rank’s historical significance:
| Name | Tenure as CAS | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee | 1954–1955 | First Indian CAS; laid foundational leadership for IAF. |
| Air Marshal Arjan Singh | 1964–1969 | Led IAF during 1965 Indo-Pak War; first Air Chief Marshal. |
| Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari | 2021–2024 | Focused on modernization and self-reliance in defence. |
| Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh | 2024–Present | Advocated for self-reliance; led Tarang Shakti exercise. |
Air Marshal Salary in India
Air Marshals in the IAF are well-compensated, reflecting their seniority and responsibilities. Salaries follow the 7th Pay Commission structure, with variations based on grade and years of service:
| Grade | Pay Level | Monthly Salary (INR) | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-in-C Grade (e.g., AOC-in-C) | Level 17 | 225,000 | HRA, DA, Flying Allowance |
| Other Air Marshals (HAG+) | Level 16 | Up to 224,000 | HRA, DA, MSP (15,500) |
These figures exclude allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Military Service Pay (MSP), which can significantly increase total compensation, often exceeding 250,000 INR monthly for senior Air Marshals.
How to Become an Air Marshal in India
Becoming an Air Marshal in the IAF is a long and rigorous journey requiring dedication, skill, and leadership. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Educational Foundation: Complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, followed by a bachelor’s degree (preferred for officer entry).
- Join the IAF: Clear the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam or Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam, or apply through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) for officer roles.
- Training: Undergo training at the Air Force Academy (AFA) and specialize as a pilot, navigator, or in technical/ground duties.
- Gain Experience: Serve in various roles, such as flying squadrons, air bases, or staff positions, accumulating over 25–30 years of service.
- Leadership Roles: Excel in command and staff appointments, such as commanding a fighter squadron or air base, and rise through ranks like Wing Commander, Group Captain, and Air Vice Marshal.
- Promotion to Air Marshal: Based on merit, seniority, and vacancies, officers are promoted to Air Marshal, typically after serving as Air Vice Marshal and holding roles like Senior Air Staff Officer.
Aspiring Air Marshals must demonstrate exceptional flying skills (often 4,000+ hours), strategic acumen, and leadership. Advanced training at institutions like the Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College is crucial for career progression.
FAQs on Air Marshals in India
What is an Air Marshal in India?
In India, an Air Marshal is a three-star rank in the Indian Air Force (IAF), the second-highest active rank, commanding key operations or roles like AOC-in-C of IAF commands. Alternatively, "air marshal" refers to sky marshals, NSG officers ensuring in-flight security on commercial flights.
Who is the current Air Marshal?
As of May 22, 2025, notable Air Marshals include Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan (AOC-in-C, Central Air Command) and Air Marshal Tejinder Singh (AOC-in-C, Training Command), both appointed on May 1, 2025.
Are Air Marshals on every flight?
No, sky marshals are not on every flight; they are deployed on high-risk routes, such as flights to Kabul or Kathmandu, based on threat assessments by Indian security agencies.
What is the role of an Air Marshal?
Military Air Marshals oversee IAF operations, strategy, and training, while sky marshals protect flights by preventing hijackings, responding to threats, and ensuring passenger safety through covert security measures.
