Rajnath Singh Visits Bagdogra Air Force Station, Praises IAF Ahead of Diwali
Bagdogra, West Bengal: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the eve of Diwali visited Bagdogra Air Force Station and met Indian Air Force personnel, praising their professionalism, dedication and constant vigilance in guarding India’s airspace. During the interaction, he also flagged the changing nature of warfare, warning that future operations will increasingly have to contend with asymmetric threats, drone swarms and cyberattacks.
Singh described the Indian Air Force as a major pillar of national security and expressed admiration for the courage and high morale of the Air Warriors posted at the base. He said their readiness and commitment remain essential to protecting the country’s skies and responding to evolving security challenges.
Sharing his impressions of the visit, the Defence Minister said he was delighted to meet the personnel ahead of Diwali. He praised their exceptional skills, discipline and willingness to stay prepared for any situation, especially as India’s security environment grows more complex.
He specifically drew attention to the rise of asymmetric military operations, coordinated drone swarms and sophisticated cyberattacks, noting that such threats demand greater domain awareness, technological adaptability and cyber resilience from the armed forces. According to Singh, the Indian Air Force must be ready to operate in an environment where traditional air warfare is increasingly accompanied by dangers emerging from unmanned aerial systems, electronic networks and cyberspace.
The minister’s remarks came against the backdrop of rapidly evolving military technologies. The increasing use of drones in modern conflicts has altered surveillance, air defence and the protection of critical infrastructure, while drone swarms pose a particularly difficult challenge because multiple unmanned platforms can operate together and potentially overwhelm conventional defensive systems.
Cybersecurity, Singh said, has become equally important to military readiness. Modern air operations depend heavily on secure communication systems, integrated surveillance networks and digital command-and-control infrastructure, making cyber resilience a central part of operational preparedness.
His emphasis on domain awareness and technological superiority reflected the need for the Indian Air Force to detect, assess and respond to new kinds of threats with speed and precision. The interaction at Bagdogra, he said, underlined the importance of maintaining readiness across all domains.
During his conversation with officers and Air Warriors, Singh expressed appreciation for their enthusiasm, professionalism and morale. He described meeting personnel serving at the frontline as an inspiring experience and said their commitment to duty was evident in the way they carried out their responsibilities.
Bagdogra Air Force Station, located in northern West Bengal near the Siliguri Corridor, has strategic importance because of its position as a link to India’s northeastern states. The airbase supports the Indian Air Force’s operational requirements in a geographically sensitive region and contributes to maintaining aerial preparedness in eastern India.
The visit also carried added significance because it came just before Diwali, a festival widely celebrated with family and friends. Singh acknowledged the sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel who remain deployed at operational locations during festive periods so that the country can celebrate in peace and security.
He noted that citizens across India are able to observe festivals peacefully because members of the Armed Forces remain on duty around the clock, protecting the nation’s borders, airspace and strategic interests. The Defence Minister said the entire country takes pride in their courage, service and sacrifice.
Singh’s visit to Bagdogra also served as a reminder of the government’s focus on strengthening the Indian Air Force’s ability to deal with both conventional and emerging threats. His remarks placed particular emphasis on technological modernisation, cyber capabilities and preparedness against drone-based challenges as key elements of India’s air defence architecture.
The interaction ahead of Diwali was therefore both a gesture of appreciation and a statement of support for the men and women of the Air Force who continue to serve at operational posts while the rest of the country prepares for the festival. Singh said their dedication and selfless service reflect the nation’s gratitude and confidence in the Armed Forces’ ability to safeguard India’s sovereignty and security.
