IAF Chief AP Singh Flies Final Tejas Sortie in Tarang Shakti
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh completed his final fighter sortie in the indigenous Tejas aircraft during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur.
In a poignant moment for the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took to the skies for his final fighter sortie on Monday. Flying the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the Chief of the Air Staff marked a significant milestone in his decorated career during the ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The sortie comes as the Air Chief prepares to hang up his flying gear ahead of his scheduled retirement on October 31. The Indian Air Force (IAF) described the event as a defining moment for a leader whose life has been defined by an unwavering passion for aviation and a deep commitment to national service.
Flying Alongside International Allies
The final flight was not just a solo farewell but a display of international cooperation. During the multinational air combat exercise, Air Chief Marshal Singh flew in formation alongside aircraft from friendly foreign nations and the renowned Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. This maneuver highlighted the spirit of the exercise, which aims to enhance interoperability and joint operational capabilities among participating air forces.
The IAF shared a tribute to the departing Chief, stating: “At the controls of the indigenous Tejas, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, takes to the skies for his last fighter sortie — a defining moment in a distinguished career shaped by an abiding passion for flying and an unwavering commitment to serving the Nation.”
Exercise Tarang Shakti: Power in Partnership
The sortie took place within the framework of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, held at the Air Force Station Jodhpur. Running from September 26 to October 12, the exercise operates under the theme “Power in Partnership.” The massive multinational drill serves as a platform for global air forces to exchange operational experiences and demonstrate high-level aerial maneuvers.
The exercise underscores India's growing role in international defense cooperation, providing a stage for various nations to showcase their combat readiness and strengthen strategic ties through shared training.
A Legacy of Evolution and Transition
Reflecting on the journey of the force, Air Chief Marshal Singh recently noted the incredible transformation of the IAF. During a seminar held on October 9, he recalled the organization's humble beginnings in 1932 with just four Wapiti aircraft, contrasting it with the modern, global air power the IAF has become today.
As one chapter closes, the leadership transition is already in motion. Following Singh's superannuation on October 31, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the current Vice Chief of the Air Staff, is set to take command as the next Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
While the flying days of the Air Chief may be ending, the IAF emphasized that his dedication remains unchanged: “The skies may mark the end of a flying chapter, but the mission of service to the Nation continues. Once a fighter pilot. Always a fighter pilot.”