Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated how quickly and effectively the Indian Air Force can move into combat operations. Speaking at the Air Force Day celebrations at Hindan Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, Singh said the operation also showcased the destructive capability of the IAF and the effectiveness of its air defence systems.
Operation Sindoor began in the early hours of May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian Air Force carried out strikes against terror infrastructure at Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur and Markaz Taiba near Muridke in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The Indian Army also targeted several terror-related locations across Pakistan-occupied areas.
The military confrontation continued over the following days, with the IAF striking a number of Pakistani military installations. Singh said the operation had demonstrated to the world the speed with which the IAF could transition from preparedness to actual combat.
The Air Chief stressed that advanced weapons and aircraft alone cannot determine the strength of an air force. According to him, operational preparedness, professional training and the ability of personnel to respond confidently during a crisis are equally important.
He said the IAF is operating in a rapidly changing global security environment, with conflicts emerging in different parts of the world. In such circumstances, air power has become an important tool for protecting national interests, he added.
Singh also highlighted the growing role of technology in modern warfare. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and digital technologies are increasingly being integrated into military operations. The IAF is using AI to analyse large volumes of information and assist commanders in making faster and better-informed decisions.
At the same time, he emphasised that human control would remain central to the use of autonomous and AI-enabled systems.
The Air Chief also spoke about India’s focus on self-reliance in defence production. Indigenous platforms such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Prachand and Dhruv helicopters, Astra missiles, Akash air defence systems and BrahMos missiles were cited as important examples of India’s growing defence capabilities.
More than 80 Indian and foreign aircraft are also participating in the ongoing Tarang Shakti multinational air exercise, involving several major air forces.
Singh, who is scheduled to retire on October 31, said serving as Chief of the Air Staff had been one of the greatest fortunes of his career. He assured that the IAF remains alert, committed and prepared to meet emerging challenges.
On Air Force Day, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to air warriors, veterans and their families, praising their courage, professionalism and commitment to national security.
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