Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. On Thursday, Singh took stock of the combat preparedness of the Air Force while flying a single sortie of MiG-29 UPG multi-role fighter aircraft. During this, he also reviewed the operational preparedness of an important base of Western Air Command (WAC). Due to security reasons, the exact location of the MiG-29 flight and the associated base has not been made public.

This flight of the Air Force Chief is being seen as a demonstration of the combat capability, quick response and mission readiness of the Indian Air Force at forward bases. After completing the flight, Air Chief Marshal Singh also met the ex-servicemen of the Air Force present at the base and appreciated their contribution in the service of the country. This dialogue reflects the continuity between the tradition, experience and new generation of the Air Force.

VIDEO | Punjab: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flies MiG 29 fighter aircraft.

(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/csZ4jI8RdW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 12, 2026

What is MiG-29?

The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a twin-engine fighter aircraft, which was developed by the Soviet Union. The Indian Air Force had decided to modernize its MiG-29 fleet, which has been in service for almost four decades, under which they have been equipped with advanced avionics, modern radar and air refueling capability. The MiG-29 was developed in the 1970s and was inducted into the Air Force in the 1980s. It was originally designed to counter the challenge of aircraft like the American F-16.

Features of MiG-29

The advanced MiG-29 is a fourth-generation air superiority fighter aircraft with precision strike capability with both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. This aircraft can achieve a maximum speed of about 2465 kilometers per hour (Mach 2.35) and is capable of flying at a height of 17,000 meters. Its climb rate is about 330 meters per second, making it quick to react and effective in dynamic combat situations.

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Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Wednesday (21 January 2026) spoke on the new nature of war in the changing world. Referring to the increasing strength of the Indian Air Force and India’s success in recent operations, he warned Pakistan. He said that if we want to become a powerful army then it is very important to focus on military power.

Can bring you to your knees within a few hours: Air Force Chief

The Air Force Chief said, ‘Whether it is evacuating people from war zones, as we did in Sudan, or attacking terrorist structures and terrorists, the Indian Air Force has proved its capability everywhere. We attacked many targets in Pakistan within a few hours and forced them to kneel. This was the power of our Air Force, which did wonders everywhere.

‘Mere economic power is not enough to protect the country’

Emphasizing the importance of military power for national security, he said that economic power alone is not enough to protect the sovereignty of a country. He said, ‘We have to understand that military power is the ultimate measure of national power. No one can remain safe even if he is financially strong. Take the example of our own country, at one time we and China together controlled 60 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), but despite this we were captured and colonized.

Air Force Chief told why there is a need for a strong army?

He said, ‘Every country needs a strong army, because if you do not have it then anyone can attack you. Venezuela and Iraq are recent examples of this. Military power is important, but even more important is the will to use that military power. Unless you have that willpower, you can keep exercising restraint, but that restraint will be considered weakness. When you are strong and have patience, only then is it seen as an ability.

Air Force Chief AP Singh said on Wednesday (10 December 2025) that the Indian Air Force is fully prepared to give a befitting reply to the audacity of any enemy country. Participating in the aerial display organized on the occasion of Vijay Diwas being celebrated to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971, Air Chief Marshal Singh said that the Indian Air Force is continuously improving its ‘stealth’ capability and strategy based on past experiences. He told journalists, “If any enemy nation makes any kind of audacity, we are fully prepared to give it a befitting reply.”

Singh stressed that India, especially the Indian Air Force, is ready to fight a two-front war if any emergency arises. Recalling the contribution of the Indian Air Force in the 1971 war, he highlighted the steps that played an important role in India’s victory. Singh said, “The determination with which the Indian Air Force carried out its task, whether it was the daytime operations in November, the final strike or the attack on the Governor’s House in Bangladesh, decisively ended the war.”

Pakistan came to its knees in 13 days

Singh said that during those 13 days of prompt action by the Indian Armed Forces, he saw Pakistan bowing to pressure and appealing for ceasefire. He said, “This operation was not only a major success for the Indian Air Force, but also a major achievement of joint efficiency. “Planned operations like river crossing or air drop would not have been possible without close coordination between the Army and the Air Force.”

What is necessary to win the war

The Indian Air Force Chief said that the way the three forces, including the Navy, worked together with active participation, gave a very important lesson of joint efficiency that joint operations can lead to victory in war on a large scale. Earlier in the day, the Indian Air Force celebrated its historic victory in the 1971 war with a spectacular aerial display at Mohanbari Air Force Station in Dibrugarh.

The day long ceremony organized by Eastern Air Command enthralled the general public, dignitaries from military and civil sectors, experienced Air Force seniors and hundreds of enthusiastic school children. Officials said the aerial display involved some of the most powerful aircraft of the Indian Air Force, including Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft, Dornier Do-228 surveillance aircraft, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft and Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters.

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update in progress…