Operation Sindoor restored ‘rightful place’ of combat air action in national consciousness: IAF Chief

Hindon (UP): Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Wednesday praised the Indian Air Force’s "bold and precise" strikes during Operation Sindoor, saying they restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness.

Addressing air warriors on the 93rd Air Force Day at Hindon air base, he highlighted how the IAF demonstrated to the world the decisive role air power can play in shaping military outcomes swiftly.

"Our performance in Operation Sindoor fills us with professional pride. We proved to the world how air power can be effectively used in shaping military outcomes in just a few days," he said.

Operation Sindoor was described by the Chief of Air Staff as a shining example of “meticulous planning, disciplined training and determined execution”.

“India's bold and precise attacks restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness,” he added.

Singh also underlined the IAF's robust air defence systems and the offensive deployment of long-range surface-to-air missile systems, which restricted adversary operations and ensured the safety of vital assets.

He further lauded the indigenously developed and integrated weapons used during the operation for delivering “precise and devastating blows deep inside enemy territory”, affirming faith in home-grown capabilities.

Launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure within Pakistan-controlled territories, culminating in four days of intense clashes that ended with an agreement to cease military action on May 10.

The Air Chief Marshal also highlighted the growing integration of new weapons and systems into operational plans as a “significant success.”

“I can see that there is an increased culture of accountability, safety and security amongst the air warriors and this is directly reflected in our reduced incidents and accidents,” he remarked.

He praised the leadership within the force, saying, “At all levels, leaders are leading from the front, demonstrating exceptional vision and empathy. They are ensuring that every individual is empowered with the necessary training and is motivated.”

Emphasising readiness, Singh called on air warriors to remain prepared for future challenges with planning that is “innovative, practical and adaptive” and training based on the principle of “train like we fight”.

“As we celebrate our triumphs and success, we must remain prepared for the future. Our planning must be innovative, practical and adaptive. Our training must be based on the principle of 'train like we fight'. Hence, it should continue to be honest, rigorous and relevant to the emerging challenges,” he said.

He stressed the importance of teamwork within the IAF and with other defence forces, stating, “We must recognise that victory comes with effective teamwork. We have to leverage our collective strength, foster synergy and promote interoperability, not only within the Indian Air Force but also with other defence services and organisations so as to achieve national goals.”

Recalling the IAF's role in national crises, Singh pointed to Operation Sindhu in June, during which the force evacuated Indian citizens from conflict zones in Iran and Israel.

“The compassion, speed and reliability with which the Indian Air Force delivered hope, often under hazardous conditions, embodies the highest ideals of service before self,” he noted.

PTI