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 assigned to serve as Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Air Headquarters. In early 1971, he took on a key role at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore. On 15 January 1973, he returned to Air Headquarters and assumed the position of Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal PC Lal.