Operation Sindoor Restored Rightful Place of Offensive Air Action in National Consciousness: IAF chief

Air Chief Marshal Singh addressed air warriors on the occasion of 93rd Air Force Day at Hindon air base. The Indian Air Force (IAF) was officially established on 8 October 1932.

While praising the success of Operation Sindoor, he called on air warriors to “remain ready” for future security challenges and stressed that the IAF’s planning must be “innovative, practical and adaptable” and its training must be based on the principle of “train as we fight”.

“Our performance in Operation Sindoor fills us with professional pride. In just a few days, we have proven to the world how airpower can be effectively used to shape military outcomes,” he said.

The Air Chief described Operation Sindoor as a shining example of what can be achieved through “meticulous planning, disciplined training and determined execution”.

“India’s bold and decisive strikes have restored the rightful place of air strike action in the national consciousness,” he said.

“Our strong air defense architecture and offensive use of long-range surface-to-air missile systems limited the enemy’s operational capability and ensured the security of our vital assets,” he said.

“The outstanding performance of indigenously developed and integrated weapons, which deliver precise and devastating blows deep into enemy territory, confirms our belief in indigenous capabilities,” he said.

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, using air power to destroy various terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan-controlled areas. The strikes triggered four days of intense fighting and ended on 10 May with an agreement to cease military operations.

In his speech, Air Chief Marshal Singh also noted that the increasing pace of integration of new systems, weapons and equipment into the IAF’s operational plans was a “significant achievement”.

“I can see that there is a growing culture of responsibility, safety and security among air warriors, and this is directly reflected in the reduction of incidents and accidents,” he said.

“Leaders at all levels lead from the front, demonstrating extraordinary vision and empathy. They ensure that each individual is empowered and motivated with the necessary training,” he added.

The Air Chief also underlined the need for the IAF to remain prepared for any contingency and called for “effective teamwork”. “As we celebrate our victories and successes, we must remain prepared for the future. Our planning must be innovative, practical and adaptable.

“Our training must be based on the principle of ‘train as we fight’. Therefore it must remain honest, rigorous and appropriate to the challenges that arise,” he said.

The Air Chief also wanted the IAF to leverage its “joint strength” and “strengthen synergy” not only within the force but also with other defense services.

“We must recognize that victory comes with effective teamwork. To achieve national objectives, we must strengthen our collective strength, promote synergy and promote interoperability not only within the Indian Air Force but also with other defense services and organisations,” he said.

The Air Chief also touched upon the role of his forces during various national crises. “During Operation Sindhu, the IAF took action to evacuate Indian citizens from conflict-ridden areas,” he said.

“The compassion, speed and reliability with which the Indian Air Force instills hope, often under dangerous conditions, represent the highest ideals of service before itself,” he said. India launched Operation Sindhu in June to evacuate Indian citizens from conflict zones in Iran and Israel.