Can’t do without air power: IAF Chief

Making his first public comments since Operation Sindoor, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Thursday said the skirmish with Pakistan had proven “we can’t do it without air power”.

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, he said, “Any kind of operations (whether on land or at sea) cannot be conducted without air power, and this has been proved very well during Operation Sindoor.”

His remarks come in the backdrop of the proposed theatre command, which aim at integrating all war-fighting elements in a defined geographical area under a single commander. The IAF has consistently maintained that the air force was inherently dynamic and should not be constrained by the limits of a theatre command.

On the future of warfare, the IAF Chief stressed the need for both capability and capacity. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he noted that the character of war was evolving, with new technologies emerging daily. “Operation Sindoor has provided a clear direction on where we are headed and what we will need in the future. Significant work is required to realign our thought processes and this is already underway,” he said.

Air Chief Marshal Singh hailed Operation Sindoor as a “national victory,” crediting the seamless coordination among all three forces for its professional execution. “We were on the path of truth and I believe God was with us,” he said, expressing gratitude to every Indian. “I am certain every citizen was eagerly waiting for this victory.” He said the operation was executed in a very professional manner and its success was a collective effort. “When truth is on your side, everything falls into place,” he added.

The IAF Chief also highlighted the government’s decision to allow private industry participation in the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) project, calling it a big step. “This reflects the nation’s confidence in the private sector and I am sure it will pave the way for greater achievements in the future,” he added.