Soon thereafter he was posted as Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Air Headquarters. In early 1971, he was deputed as Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore. On 15 January 1973, he returned to Air Headquarters, designated as the new Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal PC Lal.
He was subsequently posted as Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Air Headquarters. In early 1971, he was designated as Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore. On 15 January 1973, he returned to Air Headquarters and succeeded Air Chief Marshal PC Lal as the new Chief of Air Staff.