Air Chief Marshal AP Singh hails IAF’s combat speed in Operation Sindoor on Air Force Day

Operation Sindoor showcases IAF’s rapid combat deployment

On 8 October 2026 Air Chief Marshal AP Singh used the 94th Air Force Day ceremony at Hindan air base, Ghaziabad, to stress how quickly the Indian Air Force moved into combat during Operation Sindoor. “Last year, the whole world witnessed the speed with which the IAF moved into combat operations,” he told the assembled troops and dignitaries.

Details of the May 2025 strikes

Operation Sindoor was a four‑day confrontation with Pakistan that began in the early hours of 7 May 2025. The IAF hit two terror‑training sites – Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur and Markaz Taiba near Muridke – and, on 9‑10 May, launched strikes on military installations in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, Sialkot, Skardu, Sargodha, Jacobabad, Bholari and Malir Cantt in Karachi. The chief said these actions demonstrated both “destructive power” and “effective air‑defence operations”.

Chief’s message on readiness and capability

Singh, who will retire on 31 October 2026, described the IAF as an “exceptional, capable, network‑centric and multi‑domain force” that is “alert, committed and ready to meet any contingency”. He reminded the audience that recent conflicts around the globe have underscored air power as the primary means of protecting national interests. “Our operational capabilities are growing in the right direction,” he added, pointing to ongoing initiatives such as the Vayu Shakti programme, the Dronathon competition and the multilateral exercise Tarang Shakti.

Parade, vintage car and static displays

The ceremony featured a ceremonial parade, three helicopters flying in a “Dhwaj” formation, and a vintage 1960s‑era car that brought the chief to the tarmac. On display were frontline fighters – Rafale, Su‑30 MKI and Jaguar – alongside LCH Prachand and ALH Dhruv helicopters and critical weapon and air‑defence systems.

Looking ahead: self‑reliance and joint exercises

Singh highlighted India’s drive for self‑reliance, citing indigenous platforms such as the Tejas LCA, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, HTT‑40 trainer, Astra missile and BrahMos cruise missile. He also noted that Tarang Shakti currently hosts more than 80 Indian and foreign aircraft, with participants from the United States, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, plus observers from Brazil, Egypt, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam.

The chief concluded by thanking the air warriors who have laid down their lives and calling his tenure “my biggest fortune”. His remarks set the tone for a force that, in his words, aims to “leave no stone unturned to exceed expectations”.