IAF Chief AP Singh flies final sortie in Kiran aircraft

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh completed his final flying sortie in uniform on Tuesday, flying an HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer aircraft at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, near Hyderabad. The 55-minute flight served as a symbolic conclusion to his career, as the Kiran was the same aircraft type he used for his first flight in January 1984.

In a notable reunion, Singh was accompanied during the sortie by his original flying instructor, Wing Commander (retd) VS Kochar. Upon landing, the Air Chief Marshal was honored with a traditional water cannon salute. Singh, who graduated from the AFA in 1984 with the Sword of Honour, described the experience as a “dream come true” that allowed him to complete the circle of his aviation journey.

Prior to this trainer sortie, Singh performed his final fighter jet flight on October 12, piloting the indigenous Tejas during the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise at the Jodhpur Air Force Station. The Air Chief Marshal is scheduled to retire from his position at the end of this month.