Walia will succeed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Air Marshal Dixit is scheduled to take over as the 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force on Saturday.
Air Marshal Walia brings nearly four decades of experience in the Indian Air Force, having served in several important command and staff appointments during his career.
His previous assignments include commanding a frontline fighter squadron and the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). He has also served as the Air Officer Commanding of the Air Force Station in Bareilly.
Walia has extensive experience in flying various fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. His flying experience includes different versions of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Sukhoi-30 MKI.
His appointment comes alongside a key leadership transition in the Indian Air Force, with changes expected at both the deputy chief and chief levels over the weekend.
