Op Sindoor exhibited civil-military cohesion: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh delivers the first Air Commodore Mehar Singh Memorial Talk at Air Force Station in Chandigarh
Lauding the successful conduct of Operation Sindoor, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff, said synchronisation between the military and political leadership and full freedom given to the Armed Forces were demonstrated in the short but intensive conflict in May last year.
Underscoring the primacy of air power in modern military conflicts while delivering the first Air Commodore Mehar Singh Memorial Talk at the Air Force Station here today, he said the decisive role of air power as the primary responder and deterrent had clearly emerged. Looking ahead, he stressed upon the importance of indigenisation of weapon systems, research and development and synergy to strengthen future capabilities across all domains.
The event was organised by the Air Force Association (North Zone) branch, in collaboration with 12 Wing, AF, to reflect on the enduring legacy of Air Commodore Mehar Singh, a highly decorated pilot who had played a key role not only during the World War II but also in post-Independence operations to save Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani raiders and undertaking exploratory sorties in Ladakh.
Besides serving and retired IAF and DRDO personnel, students of the Department of Defence Studies, Panjab University, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, Mohali, Mai Bago Armed Forces Training Institute, Mohali, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Air Force School and NCC cadets attended the lecture. The Air Chief exhorted the students to work together as team without any divides and undertake all their tasks with passion and commitment.
Air Marshal Tejbir Singh, Director General (Inspection and Safety) at Air Headquarters, dwelled on the IAF’s airlift capability journey from the days of Air Cmde Mehar Singh to the present day and highlighted future plans for the transport stream.
Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh (retd), president of the Air Force Association (North Zone), spoke about the genesis of establishing the memorial talk series at Chandigarh. He said the association was committed to promoting awareness of the rich history and heritage of the IAF and fostering a sense of patriotism and national pride.
Anchit Gupta, a historian specialising on the IAF, covered Air Cmde Mehar Singh’s achievements and contribution to the operational status of the then fledgling Air Force. He logically build the legacy of Air Cmde Mehar Singh focussing on his leadership and compassionate approach towards his juniors.
Col Dharambir Singh Khara (retd), the nephew of Air Cmde Mehar Singh, who was merely two years when the Air Commodore died in a tragic air crash in March 1952, was also felicitated on the occasion.
