At 94, Indian Air Force is looking beyond fighter jets: What comes next

IAF chief AP Singh hails combat speed during Operation Sindoor on Air Force Day

The Indian Air Force marked its 94th anniversary on Thursday, with the Air Chief using the occasion to reflect on the force's journey, the lessons of Operation Sindoor and the technologies that will shape its future. Describing the IAF as one of the most capable and professional air forces in the world, the Air Chief said its real strength lies not just in modern aircraft but in the airmen and airwomen who fly and maintain them.Tracing the force's origins to 1932, when it began with just four aircraft, the Air Chief said the IAF has since grown into a network-centric, multi-domain force. He paid tribute to veterans and those who made the supreme sacrifice, saying their contribution laid the foundation for the force of today.Operation Sindoor, conducted last year, featured prominently in the address. The Air Chief said the world watched the speed, precision and operational capability of the IAF during the conflict, with both its strike capability and air defence operations delivering effective results.

Success in modern war, he said, comes not from weapons alone but from quick decision-making, accurate action and joint military coordination.

The force's motto of being infallible, impervious and precise, he added, is not merely a tagline but a reflection of its preparedness and resolve.Training, according to the Air Chief, remains the bedrock of readiness. The principle of "we train as we fight" means aircrew and ground crew prepare to the standard of real missions, whether it is guarding national airspace, running disaster relief or conducting combat operations.

This year, that preparation included Exercise Vayu Shakti, the Droneathon and the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti, which he said were aimed at testing capability as well as speeding up the induction of new technology.On technology, the Air Chief said warfare is changing, with artificial intelligence, autonomy and digital innovation taking on bigger roles. AI is being used to analyse large volumes of data and help commanders decide better, while autonomous systems are being developed with human control retained.

The aim, he said, is a technology-driven but human-centric force.Self-reliance, he added, remains the top priority. He pointed to the Tejas, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, the HTT-40 trainer, the Dhruv and Prachand helicopters, the Astra missile, the Akash air defence system and BrahMos as outcomes of that approach. The IAF is also working with ISRO and other domestic space agencies, and has a key role in the Gaganyaan mission, with space increasingly seen as an extension of the air domain.The Air Chief also highlighted the IAF's role in floods, forest fires and other disasters, at home and abroad, and the growing coordination between the Air Force, Army and Navy through joint planning and integrated operations.