Air Chief Marshal A P Singh Flies Last Sortie on Tejas During Exercise Tarang Shakti

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh has flown his last fighter jet sortie aboard the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft, marking a significant moment in his flying career ahead of his retirement on October 31.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) shared the development on social media platform X late Monday, saying the sortie during Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur Air Force Station reflected the spirit of a fighter pilot who believes in leading from the front.

The force also released a video of Singh's sortie and photographs showing him flying alongside aircraft from friendly foreign countries and the IAF's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team during the exercise.

Describing the occasion as a defining moment in his distinguished career, the IAF said Singh's journey had been shaped by a lifelong passion for flying and an unwavering commitment to serving the nation.

"Once a fighter pilot. Always a fighter pilot," the force said in its post, adding that although his flying chapter was drawing to a close, his commitment to national service would continue. Singh is scheduled to superannuate on October 31.

The second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti was held at Jodhpur Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12, with participation from seven foreign nations — the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.

The multilateral air exercise also witnessed the participation of the US F-35 multi-role stealth fighter jet for the first time.

India showcased its key air assets during the exercise, which was aimed at demonstrating the country's defence capabilities and providing a platform for participating air forces to strengthen cooperation and interoperability.

The exercise brought together air forces from different countries to facilitate operational coordination and enhance engagement through joint activities.

Singh's final fighter sortie aboard the Tejas marked a symbolic milestone as he prepares to conclude his tenure at the helm of the IAF later this month.