The Indian Air Force marked its 94th anniversary on Thursday with a ceremonial parade at the Hindan air base in Ghaziabad, where Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh asserted that the force remains "alert, committed and ready" to meet any contingency amid an uncertain global security environment.
Addressing the celebrations, the Air Chief said the IAF had grown into an "exceptional, capable, network-centric and multi-domain force ranked among the finest in the world" over its 94 years. He stressed that operational preparedness — not just sophisticated aircraft — was the true measure of an air force's strength.
Operation Sindoor recalled
The Air Chief recalled the IAF's operations during last year's Operation Sindoor, saying the world had witnessed the force's air defence capabilities and operational strength during the military conflict with Pakistan. He said the IAF had demonstrated "speed of combat operations" in the conflict.
"The Indian Air Force, being the custodian of air power, understands its role and responsibilities, and is always alert, committed, and ready to meet any contingency," Singh said. He added that new conflicts emerging across the world had shown that air power was the primary means of protecting a nation's interests.
A farewell parade
The celebrations included a display of the IAF's prized combat assets — Rafale, Su-30 MKI and Jaguar fighter jets on static display, along with LCH Prachand and ALH Dhruv helicopters and critical air defence systems. The Air Chief arrived at the parade venue in a 1960s-era vintage car as three helicopters flew past in 'Dhwaj' formation. The three service chiefs and several former IAF chiefs attended.
Singh, who retires on October 31, called serving as the IAF chief "my biggest fortune" and saluted the air warriors who laid down their lives for the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the force on X, saluting the courage and commitment of air warriors. "The Air Force is an expert in giving shock to the enemies not only through weapons, but also through data and drones. Every moment of Operation Sindoor gives proof of the might of the Indian military," he said in a video message.
Sources:
- IAF has grown into network-centric, exceptional force ranked among finest in world: Air Chief Marshal Singh
- Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh calls IAF 'multi-domain force', hails drones, AI and niche tech
- 'IAF ready for any challenge': Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Air Force Day
Addressing the celebrations, the Air Chief said the IAF had grown into an "exceptional, capable, network-centric and multi-domain force ranked among the finest in the world" over its 94 years. He stressed that operational preparedness — not just sophisticated aircraft — was the true measure of an air force's strength.
Operation Sindoor recalled
The Air Chief recalled the IAF's operations during last year's Operation Sindoor, saying the world had witnessed the force's air defence capabilities and operational strength during the military conflict with Pakistan. He said the IAF had demonstrated "speed of combat operations" in the conflict.
"The Indian Air Force, being the custodian of air power, understands its role and responsibilities, and is always alert, committed, and ready to meet any contingency," Singh said. He added that new conflicts emerging across the world had shown that air power was the primary means of protecting a nation's interests.
A farewell parade
The celebrations included a display of the IAF's prized combat assets — Rafale, Su-30 MKI and Jaguar fighter jets on static display, along with LCH Prachand and ALH Dhruv helicopters and critical air defence systems. The Air Chief arrived at the parade venue in a 1960s-era vintage car as three helicopters flew past in 'Dhwaj' formation. The three service chiefs and several former IAF chiefs attended.
Singh, who retires on October 31, called serving as the IAF chief "my biggest fortune" and saluted the air warriors who laid down their lives for the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the force on X, saluting the courage and commitment of air warriors. "The Air Force is an expert in giving shock to the enemies not only through weapons, but also through data and drones. Every moment of Operation Sindoor gives proof of the might of the Indian military," he said in a video message.
Sources:
- IAF has grown into network-centric, exceptional force ranked among finest in world: Air Chief Marshal Singh
- Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh calls IAF 'multi-domain force', hails drones, AI and niche tech
- 'IAF ready for any challenge': Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Air Force Day
