New Delhi, 13 October (H.S.): Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew his final fighter aircraft sortie during his tenure in the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft at Jodhpur Air Force Station during Exercise Tarang Shakti. He is scheduled to retire at the end of this month.

Accompanied by aircraft from friendly foreign nations and the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, the sortie was conducted under the theme “Power in Partnership”. The flight reflected the spirit of a fighter pilot who believes in leading from the front and setting an example through personal commitment.

During the annual press conference on the occasion of Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Singh was asked whether he would regret not having the opportunity to fly the Tejas Mk-2 before completing his tenure, despite having accumulated more than 5,000 hours of flying experience on various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft during his career.

Responding to the question, the Air Chief said that not every goal in life could be achieved and that one should appreciate the goals that had been accomplished while leaving unfinished ambitions for the future.

His final fighter sortie in the indigenous Tejas marked a significant moment in an illustrious career shaped by a deep passion for flying and an unwavering commitment to serving the nation.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh is scheduled to retire on October 31. He will be succeeded by the current Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who is expected to assume charge as the next Chief of the Air Staff.

Exercise Tarang Shakti has witnessed participation from eight friendly foreign nations — Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States — which have deployed their air assets for the exercise. Another 32 countries are participating as observers.

Flying alongside aircraft from these friendly nations and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, the Air Chief brought a memorable chapter of his fighter-flying career to a close.

His decision to undertake the final sortie in an Indian-made Tejas fighter aircraft also underscored his confidence in the indigenous platform and highlighted the Indian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening domestic aerospace capabilities.

After serving as Chief of the Air Staff for nearly two years, Air Chief Marshal Singh will hand over command to his successor on October 31, marking the conclusion of his tenure at the helm of the Indian Air Force.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar