Air Marshal Tyagi to be IAF chief

Air Marshal S.P. Tyagi, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, was today named the next chief of the Indian Air Force.

The 59-year-old Tyagi’s appointment as Chief of Air Staff would be with effect from December 31 when incumbent Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswami retires, an official release here said. Tyagi, who was commissioned on December 31, 1963, as pilot in the fighter stream, has actively participated in the 1965 and 1971 wars.

During his career spanning over 40 years, Tyagi has worked in a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments. He has the distinction of commanding three air commands — central, south-western and western. He has the experience of flying a variety of aircraft including MiG, Jaguar and GNAT. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva medal in 2003 and Ati Vishisht Seva medal in 1994.