New Delhi: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has flown his final fighter aircraft sortie in the indigenous Tejas, marking a significant milestone in his career as he prepares to retire later this month.
The sortie took place at Jodhpur Air Force Station during Exercise Tarang Shakti. The Indian Air Force shared a video of the flight along with photographs showing Singh flying alongside aircraft from participating foreign air forces and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.
The sortie reflected Singh’s enduring passion for flying and his commitment to leading from the front. Although his career as an active fighter pilot is drawing to a close, he is set to continue serving until his retirement on October 31.
Singh’s final flight in the Tejas also highlighted India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence manufacturing and the operational capabilities of its domestically developed fighter aircraft.
Exercise Tarang Shakti, held from September 26 to October 12 at Jodhpur Air Force Station, brought together air forces from several countries to strengthen cooperation, improve interoperability and showcase advanced air combat capabilities.
The second edition of the multilateral exercise featured participation from seven foreign nations: the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
A major highlight was the participation of the American F-35 multi-role stealth fighter for the first time in the exercise, adding an important dimension to the multinational air operations.
India showcased several of its key air assets during the exercise, which provided a platform for participating forces to exchange operational experience and enhance coordination.
Singh’s final Tejas sortie brought a symbolic close to a career shaped by a lifelong passion for flying, while underscoring the Indian Air Force’s focus on operational readiness, international partnerships and indigenous aerospace capabilities.
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