IndiaPosted at: Oct 31 2026 6:33PM


'We were on song': Last of Operation Sindoor's top military commanders, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh superannuates after 42 years

Parwinder Sandhu
New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) "That night, we were on song. We could have continued to strike, but that was not our aim. Our objective was already achieved." Perhaps this is how Air Chief Marshal AP Singh would want to be remembered -- as the commander who led the Indian Air Force with confidence and operational conviction during Operation Sindoor, when India's air power demonstrated its reach and precision against Pakistan.
As he superannuates on Saturday after 42 years of distinguished service, the words he used to describe that defining night capture the spirit of his leadership.
The last of the top military commanders who steered India's Operation Sindoor hung his uniform today, marking the end of a defining chapter in the country's military leadership.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh retired as the 28th Chief of the Air Staff, leaving behind the legacy of a decisive wartime commander, a forthright voice on Pakistan and Operation Sindoor, and a people's Chief whose strongest bond remained with the air warriors under his command.
His retirement completes the departure of the four top military commanders who were at the helm during Operation Sindoor. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi have also superannuated this year.
For Singh, the journey from a young fighter pilot to the country's top air warrior spanned more than four decades of professional excellence, commitment and service to the nation.
An accomplished fighter pilot and Experimental Test Pilot, he made significant contributions to strengthening the IAF's operational capabilities, combat preparedness and modernisation.
But it was Operation Sindoor that emerged as the defining chapter of his tenure.
Working in close coordination with CDS General Chauhan and the chiefs of the Army and Navy, Singh oversaw the IAF's role in the military operation, which demonstrated India's ability to execute precision strikes and respond decisively to cross-border terrorism.
He was among the most outspoken military leaders in explaining the operation, its strategic significance and the lessons India needed to draw from it.
His now-famous remark, "Aur maarna tha", while recounting how people close to him felt India should have continued striking Pakistan, captured the fighting spirit and operational confidence that characterised his public articulation of the operation.
Yet, beyond operations rooms, military briefings and strategic discussions, Singh's most enduring legacy could well be his personal connect with air warriors.
He believed that the strength of the Indian Air Force rested not merely in its fighter jets, sophisticated weapons and advanced technology, but in the people who operate, maintain and support them.
From senior commanders to the youngest airmen, officers and cadets, he made a conscious effort to engage with personnel at every level, encouraging professionalism, initiative and pride in service.
His interactions with young officers and cadets, often marked by warmth and spontaneity, reflected a leadership style that made the country's top air warrior accessible to those at the grassroots.
It was this ability to connect with people across ranks that earned him affection within the service and strengthened his image as a people's Chief.
His tenure also witnessed a strong emphasis on indigenous defence capabilities, innovation, emerging technologies and the creation of a future-ready air force. He consistently underscored the need for self-reliance and technological superiority in an increasingly complex security environment.
As Singh completes his 42-year journey in uniform, he leaves behind more than a distinguished service record. He leaves the memories of a commander who led during a critical military operation, spoke candidly about its implications and, above all, believed that the real strength of a fighting force lay in its people.
UNI PWS RN
Tags: #'We were on song': Last of Operation Sindoor's top military commanders# Air Chief Marshal AP Singh superannuates after 42 years
More News

Delhi: Special winter pollution control restrictions take effect from Sunday

31 Oct 2026 | 11:17 PM

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) As part of the Delhi government's intensified efforts to curb winter pollution, special restrictions will be in place in the national capital from November 1, with strict action for violations. .

see more..

INDIA Bloc stages 'Public Impeachment' of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, unanimously adopts six-charge resolution seeking his removal

31 Oct 2026 | 10:59 PM

Shahid K Abbas
New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) The Opposition INDIA bloc on Saturday escalated its confrontation with the Election Commission, unanimously adopting a six-charge resolution demanding the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and his trial in a court of law over allegations of electoral manipulation and the deletion of 13.2 crore voters from electoral rolls.

see more..

DCW takes strict cognizance over CM’s allegedly morphed image, notice sent to Jarnail Singh

31 Oct 2026 | 10:28 PM

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) The Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Lata Gupta, has taken suo-motu cognizance of a matter concerning an allegedly objectionable and morphed image of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, which was shared on a social media platform by MLA Jarnail Singh.
Taking serious note of the matter, DCW chair has issued a notice to the MLA concerned, seeking an explanation regarding the incident.
She has also directed him to immediately remove the said image from social media and issue a public apology.

see more..

Abhishek Banerjee accuses BJP of trying to silence Opposition, vows to remain fearless

31 Oct 2026 | 10:14 PM

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday accused the BJP of seeking to silence the Opposition and create an atmosphere in which questioning the ruling party is increasingly being treated as an act of defiance, asserting that he would neither be intimidated nor pressured into submission.

see more..

Inaugural BIMSTEC maritime security exercise begins, seven nations join regional cooperation initiative

31 Oct 2026 | 9:51 PM

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) The first-ever BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise has commenced with the participation of seven member nations, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional maritime cooperation, enhancing operational coordination and ensuring security across the strategically important Bay of Bengal. .

see more..