In 2001, he founded the think tank Centre for Air Power Studies in New Delhi and served as its director general till his death in 2013.

In the early years of his career, he served as a Flight Commander in an operational Squadron in the Eastern Sector in 1961-62.

In spite of heavy ground opposition he pressed home his attacks and destroyed a number of enemy tanks, gun positions and bunkers.

After over two years in command of the squadron, he was promoted to the rank of Group Captain and moved to Air headquarters as the Director (Flight Safety).

Singh founded the Air Force think tank, Centre for Air Power Studies, and also remained longest continuously serving director of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) from 1987 to 2001.