Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, who will retire on 31 October, praised the Indian Air Force’s evolution from a modest fleet of four Westland Wapiti biplanes in 1932 to a network‑centric, multi‑domain force with 29 fighter squadrons today. Speaking at the Air Force Day celebrations on the Hindan air base in Ghaziabad, he noted that recent conflicts worldwide have underscored air power as the primary means of protecting national interests.
Singh highlighted Operation Sindoor as an example of the IAF’s “speed of combat operations,” citing both precision strike and air‑defence capabilities. He urged the force to remain agile and combat‑ready, adding that operational capabilities are growing in the right direction and that the IAF would “leave no stone unturned” to exceed expectations.
The 94th‑anniversary parade featured a static display of Rafale and Tejas fighters, a flypast by three Mi‑17 helicopters, and aerial manoeuvres by a British‑era Tiger Moth. A drum band made its parade debut, while Team Shakti, a group of women air warriors, impressed the audience with rifle drills.
Senior military leaders, including Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, attended. Former IAF chiefs were also present, and the tarmac showcased Su‑30 MKI, Jaguar, LCH Prachand, ALH Dhruv, BrahMos, Akash, Rohini radar, and a Dornier aircraft. Air Chief Marshal Singh concluded that the IAF’s legacy of strength and readiness will continue under the leadership of his successor, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
