Marking the closing chapter of a distinguished flying career, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh climbed into the cockpit of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for his final fighter sortie at Jodhpur Air Force Station.
The Air Chief Marshal, set to retire on Oct 31, chose the homegrown jet to showcase India’s push for defence self-reliance.
The ceremonial flight unfolded against the high-octane backdrop of Exercise Tarang Shakti, the IAF’s major multinational air exercise held from Sept 26 to Oct 12.
Flying alongside combat aircraft from friendly foreign nations and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, the Air Chief’s flight highlighted his commitment to leading from the front. Notably, the exercise also witnessed the debut of the U.S. F-35 stealth fighter, highlighting India’s growing role in global military cooperation.
The Indian Air Force released footage of the flight, capturing the chief at the controls of the aircraft he once helped test.
Paying tribute to his service, the IAF posted on social media:
A FINAL FIGHTER SORTIE. A LIFETIME OF PASSION.
At the controls of the indigenous Tejas, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, takes to the skies for his last fighter sortie — a defining moment in a distinguished career shaped by an abiding passion for flying and an unwavering commitment to serving the Nation.
Flying alongside Friendly Foreign Country aircraft and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team during Exercise #TarangShakti26, the sortie reflects the spirit of a fighter pilot who has always believed in leading from the front.
As one chapter draws to a close, the passion remains undiminished. The skies may mark the end of a flying chapter, but the mission of service to the Nation continues.
Once a fighter pilot. Always a fighter pilot.
#IndianAirForce #PowerInPartnership #Tejas
#TarangShakti26@ausairforce
@armeedelair
@usairforce
@team_luftwaffe
@modgovae
@defenceminindia
@HQ_IDS_India
@careeriniaf
@air_veterans— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 12, 2026
Air Chief Marshal Singh will hand over command to Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Oct 31, ending over four decades of service.
