Ghaziabad (UP), Oct 8: Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, on Thursday, said the force’s operational capabilities are growing in the right direction and that it remains alert and ready to meet any challenge. Addressing the Air Force Day celebrations at the Hindan air base here, Singh said that over its 94-year history, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has evolved into an exceptional, capable, network-centric and multi-domain force ranked among the finest in the world.

Singh said conflicts in different parts of the world have demonstrated that air power is a primary means of protecting a nation’s interests. “Our operational capabilities are growing in the right direction,” he said, adding that the IAF would leave no stone unturned to live up to expectations and exceed them.

The Air Chief Marshal said the IAF was alert, committed and ready to meet any challenge. He also paid tribute to air warriors who had laid down their lives for the nation.

Reflecting on his tenure ahead of his superannuation on October 31, Singh said serving as the IAF chief had been “my biggest fortune” and described it as a proud moment. The government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, with effect from the afternoon of October 31, 2026.

Dixit will succeed Air Chief Marshal Singh, who is due to superannuate on October 31, 2026. The 94th Air Force Day celebrations at Hindan air base featured a ceremonial parade and a display of some of the IAF’s key combat assets.

The three service chiefs and other senior military officials attended the event, along with several former IAF chiefs. Singh arrived at the parade venue in a 1960s-era vintage car, while three helicopters flew past in ‘Dhwaj’ formation.

The IAF also put fighter aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI and Jaguar, on static display on the tarmac, along with helicopters such as LCH Prach and and ALH Dhruv, as well as key weapon and air defence systems. Meanwhile, greetings poured in from across the country.

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday extended her greetings to IAF personnel on Air Force Day and said Operation Sindoor had demonstrated the courage, precision and operational preparedness of air warriors in safeguarding the nation. “Greetings to all air warriors, veterans and their families on Air Force Day.