New Delhi: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Friday confirmed that Operation Sindoor was a milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF), highlighting the use of long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) that achieved kills over 300 km inside Pakistan. Speaking at the annual Air Force Day press conference ahead of the October 8 celebrations at Hindon Air Base, Singh said, “Our robust air defence infrastructure turned the tables.”
IAF chief AP Singh disclosed that during the hostilities in May, the operation destroyed 8–10 Pakistani fighter jets, including US-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17s. He dismissed claims that Indian jets were destroyed, calling them “manohar kahaniyan (fascinating tales)” by Pakistan.
Singh credited the Army, Navy, and Air Force for the joint planning and execution of the strikes, describing the operation as precise and impactful. “We proved to be achook (unerring), abhedya (impenetrable) and sateek (precise) in Operation Sindoor,” he said. The Air Chief described the operation as “the first catastrophic operation of its scale since 1971 to be revealed publicly.”
Looking ahead, Singh stressed that future wars require integrated planning across all services. “We need to keep our thinking tabs on, stay ready for present and future wars, and adopt an integrated approach with all services and agencies,” he said. He also reiterated the importance of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), noting ongoing projects like LCA Mk1A, LCA Mk2, and Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), alongside the development of radars, systems, and indigenous innovations. The IAF continues bilateral and multilateral exercises with countries such as the UAE, Egypt, France, and Singapore.
The 93rd Air Force Day on October 8 at Hindon Air Base will feature a “Dhwaj Flypast” by a Mi-17 helicopter carrying the Operation Sindoor flag. Static displays will include Rafale and Su-30 MKI fighters, transport aircraft, Akash SAM systems, radars, and other weapon platforms. Eighteen innovations will be showcased to reflect the IAF’s focus on self-reliance and futuristic capabilities.
While Singh presented Operation Sindoor as a showcase of India’s military capabilities, some analysts and commentators have raised concerns over the timing of the public disclosure, given its proximity to state and national elections. Critics note that highlighting high-profile military operations close to voting periods can generate nationalist sentiment and potentially influence public opinion.
