IAF Chief Singh to bid farewell skies in final Tejas sortie

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh is scheduled to undertake his final sortie in the Tejas light combat aircraft today, marking the conclusion of his distinguished tenure at the helm of the Indian Air Force. The flight, to be conducted during the Tarang Shakti multilateral combat exercise, will serve as a symbolic farewell to active flying duties.

The Tejas Mk-1A represents the latest evolutionary step in India's homegrown fighter programme, featuring enhanced avionics, improved aerodynamic design, and upgraded engine performance. By choosing the aircraft for his valedictory mission, Singh will underscore the IAF's confidence in the indigenous platform and its operational readiness at an international stage.

Tarang Shakti, being conducted with participation from multiple air forces, provides a platform to demonstrate India's aerospace capabilities and technological advances. The exercise has drawn significant international attention to the Tejas programme, which has undergone rigorous testing and refinement over two decades of development.

The Air Chief Marshal's final flight is expected to resonate beyond ceremonial significance, reinforcing New Delhi's commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing and the pivotal role of the Tejas in India's medium-term air combat strategy.