Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Thursday, 8 October 2026, said the world witnessed the speed at which the Indian Air Force (IAF) swung into combat during Operation Sindoor last year, as he addressed air warriors at the 94th Indian Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The IAF chief underscored that the force remains in a state of constant operational readiness, describing this year's theme — 'Infallible, impervious and precise' — as a reflection of the service's core resolve rather than a ceremonial tagline.

IAF Day Celebrations at Hindon

The parade at Hindon Air Base drew senior military leadership, including Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, along with veterans and their families. Air Chief Marshal Singh inspected the parade before delivering his address, marking the 94th anniversary of a force that was formally established on 8 October 1932 — initially as an auxiliary air arm under British India with just four Wapiti aircraft.

In his address, Singh said: 'I am deeply honoured to stand here before you to celebrate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force. Air Force Day is a celebration of our glorious journey, built on unwavering commitment, indomitable courage and supreme sacrifices.' He paid homage to personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Operation Sindoor: A Demonstration of Combat Speed

The IAF chief pointed directly to Operation Sindoor as proof of the force's real-world effectiveness, stating that the operation demonstrated both the 'destructive power' and the 'effective air defence operations' of the IAF. He did not elaborate on operational specifics but emphasised that the swiftness of the IAF's transition to combat posture was observed globally.

Notably, his remarks come at a time when India's strategic calculus in its immediate neighbourhood remains closely watched, and the IAF's operational credibility carries significant diplomatic weight. This is among the most direct public references by a serving IAF chief to the combat performance of the force in a specific operation.

Air Power as the Primary Instrument of National Security

Stressing the primacy of air power in an era of rising global uncertainty, Singh said: '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.' He argued that the true measure of an air force is not the sophistication of its equipment but its 'operational preparedness' — specifically, how quickly and confidently it can act when called upon.

He added that IAF aircrew and ground crew are trained to levels where critical skills become 'second nature', developed through rigorous realistic exercises. The force, he said, prepares with equal intensity for sky defence, disaster relief, and punitive strikes.

Key Exercises and Capability Building in 2026

Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted several major initiatives undertaken this year to validate and enhance combat readiness: Exercise Vayushakti, the drone-focused event Dronathon, and the ongoing multilateral air exercise Tarang Shakti. He said these efforts are geared towards 'actively validating combat readiness while swiftly integrating niche technologies' into operational frameworks — a signal that the IAF is accelerating its shift toward network-centric and multi-domain operations.

As the IAF enters its 95th year, the chief's address signals that the force views its post-Sindoor profile as a benchmark to build upon, not merely commemorate.