Indian Air Force Chief Reviews Western Air Command, Praises Operation Sindoor Success
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff, paid a visit to the headquarters of the Western Air Command (WAC) today. During his visit, he received a comprehensive briefing on the operational readiness status in the aftermath of "Operation Sindoor." This visit underscores the Indian Air Force's (IAF) commitment to maintaining high preparedness amidst ever-changing regional security concerns.
While interacting with personnel, Air Chief Marshal Singh praised the dedication of the air warriors and celebrated the mission's success as evidence of the IAF's professionalism and efficiency. He emphasized the need to maintain the momentum by focusing on goals such as enhancing capabilities, optimizing resource use, and transforming the IAF into a forward-looking aerospace force.
The Air Chief reiterated the IAF's long-term vision, which includes expanding fighter strength to 42 squadrons by 2035 and integrating advanced technologies like unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), swarm drones, and intelligence-driven operations into its arsenal.
During the visit, a ceremonial exchange took place, with Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Commander of Western Air Command, presenting a memento to the Air Chief. This act symbolized the strong camaraderie within the force. Additionally, Air Chief Marshal Singh reviewed the personnel during a formal parade, reinforcing WAC's critical role in safeguarding India's western borders, a duty it has upheld since the 1962 Indo-China conflict.
Having assumed the role of Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2024, Air Chief Marshal Singh has played a pivotal role in advancing modernization and indigenization initiatives. Previously, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command and has been a strong advocate for indigenous defense systems. At Aero India 2025, he addressed concerns regarding delays in the Tejas program, while reaffirming the IAF's dedication to next-generation aerospace technologies.
Looking forward, the IAF aims to bolster its multi-domain capabilities through the planned induction of advanced UAVs and ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) platforms, ensuring it remains well-equipped to address evolving security challenges.
