The 93rd Indian Air Force (IAF) Day was celebrated in grand style at the Hindon Air Force Station on Wednesday, honouring the valour, discipline, and professionalism of India’s Air Warriors. This year’s celebration carried special significance with the recognition of Operation Sindoor, a landmark mission that reaffirmed the decisive role of air power in modern warfare.
Addressing the gathering, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh hailed Operation Sindoor as a “shining example of what can be achieved through meticulous planning, disciplined training, and determined execution.” He praised the performance of indigenously developed weapons and platforms, which enabled precise, high-impact strikes, restoring the primacy of offensive air action in national consciousness.
Recalling the IAF’s glorious history — from the 1948, 1971, and 1999 wars to the Balakot airstrikes — Singh underscored the Air Force’s role as both the protector of India’s skies and guardian of national honour. He lauded the seamless integration of new systems and weapons into operational plans and highlighted the growing culture of accountability, safety, and mission readiness among personnel.
Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack, involved precision airstrikes on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and deep inside Pakistan. Utilizing the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and advanced indigenous aircraft, the operation showcased India’s expanding technological and strategic dominance. Air Chief Marshal Singh described it as “a reaffirmation of air power’s ability to shape military outcomes within days.”
The Air Chief also highlighted the IAF’s humanitarian role through Operation Sindhu, conducted in June to evacuate Indian nationals from conflict zones in Iran and Israel. He commended the swiftness, reliability, and compassion with which the missions were executed despite hazardous conditions.
The celebrations at Hindon featured a grand parade reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Singh, showcasing the prowess of frontline fighters like Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29, along with a farewell salute to the MiG-21 Bison, marking over six decades of service. Indigenous assets such as the Netra AEW&C, Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, Apache attack helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters were also displayed, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Top defence officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, joined Air Chief Marshal Singh at the National War Memorial to pay homage to the fallen heroes.
The static and aerial displays symbolized the Indian Air Force’s combat excellence, technological innovation, and humanitarian commitment — reaffirming its role as a cornerstone of India’s national security and pride.
