IndiaPosted at: Oct 8 2026 5:29PM


Air Power takes centrestage in new-age conflicts: IAF Chief

Parwinder Sandhu
New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) Amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and the emergence of new conflicts across the world, air power has become the “primary means” of protecting a nation’s interests, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said on Thursday, asserting that the Indian Air Force remains alert, committed and ready to meet any contingency.
Addressing the 94th Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, Singh said recent conflicts had demonstrated the decisive role of air power and cited the IAF’s performance during Operation Sindoor as an example of its operational preparedness.
“These events have clearly demonstrated that air power is the primary means of protecting the national interests,” he said.
“The Indian Air Force, being the custodian of the air power, understands its role and responsibilities and is always alert, committed, and ready to meet any contingency.”
The Air Chief said the real strength of an air force was not merely the sophistication of its aircraft and weapon systems but its ability to respond rapidly and confidently when called upon.
“We believe that any Air Force can have the most advanced aircraft in the world, or most advanced systems in the world, but its true strength is measured by its operational preparedness – that is, how quickly and confidently it can act whenever the call comes,” he said.
“Last year, the whole world witnessed the speed with which the Indian Air Force moved into combat operations. We saw firsthand the destruction power as well as the effective air defence operations of the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindhur,” Singh said.
He said the IAF’s theme of being “infallible, impervious, and precise” was not merely a slogan but reflected its operational capability and resolve.
The Air Chief underlined the importance of realistic and professional training, saying the IAF “trains as we fight”. He said air and ground crews were trained to such a high degree that their skills became “second nature”, with realistic exercises preparing them for missions ranging from defending Indian airspace and conducting punitive strikes to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Singh highlighted Exercise Vayushakti, Dronathon and the ongoing multilateral air exercise Tarang Shakti as key initiatives aimed at validating combat readiness and integrating emerging technologies into operational structures.
He said the IAF was rapidly embracing technologies ranging from drones and hypersonic vehicles to advanced aircraft and satellites, while preparing for an era shaped by artificial intelligence, autonomy and digital innovation.
“AI is being used by Indian Air Force to help support commanders to make informed decisions after analysing enormous amounts of data,” he said.
“Autonomous systems are being developed with man-in-the-loop, in line with our goal to create an AI-augmented force enhanced by technology while keeping human authority at the core.”
To sustain this transformation, he said the IAF was maintaining close engagement with industry, startups and academic institutions.
Singh also stressed that Aatmanirbharta remained a guiding principle for capability development. He cited the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Ankur Trainer, Dhruv and Prachand helicopters, Astra missiles, Akash air defence systems and BrahMos missiles as products of India’s drive towards self-reliance.
“On the same foundation of self-reliance, rapid adoption of emerging technologies has become Air Force's top priority,” he said.
The Air Chief also described space as a natural extension of the air domain and pointed to the IAF’s growing cooperation with ISRO and domestic space agencies, including its role in the Gaganyaan mission.
“Space is a natural extension of Air Domain,” Singh said, adding that the IAF was preparing to expand its operational reach beyond the atmosphere.
Singh also emphasised the increasing integration among the three services, saying joint planning and integrated combat employment involving the Army and Navy had become a routine activity. “There is a strong and growing handshake between the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Indian Navy, marked by exchange of capabilities and manpower across the services,” he said.
“This cross-pollination strengthens interoperability and fosters a deeper understanding of each service's strengths and roles, thus enabling us to pursue our military objectives in an integrated and cohesive force.”
Calling for greater ownership, accountability and leadership across the organisation, he urged air warriors not to become a weak link in the force. “And we should be determined that no matter how difficult the situation is, I will not become a weak link or will become a weak link that weakens or breaks the Air Force,” he said.
The 94th Air Force Day celebrations featured a ceremonial parade, aerial displays and a static exhibition of major combat platforms and weapon systems. Rafale, Su-30MKI, Jaguar, LCH Prachand and ALH Dhruv helicopters, along with BrahMos and Akash systems and the Rohini radar, were among the assets displayed.
The ceremony also featured the debut of an IAF drum band and a drill performance by “Team Shakti”, comprising women air warriors. A vintage Tiger Moth drew cheers during the aerial display.
Singh arrived at the parade venue in a 1960s-era vintage car, while three helicopters flew past in ‘Dhwaj’ formation.
Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, former IAF chiefs, senior military officials, representatives of friendly countries, veterans and other dignitaries attended the celebrations.UNI PWS AAB
Tags: #Air Power takes centrestage in new-age conflicts: IAF Chief
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