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IAF Chief AP Singh retirement sortie

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2026-10-20 11:45 UTC → 2026-10-21 03:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh conducted his final fighter jet sortie in an indigenous Tejas aircraft during the Tarang Shakti 2026 multinational air combat exercise at the Jodhpur Air Force Station. The exercise, which ran from September 26 to October 12, included participation from several nations, such as the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, the American F-35 stealth fighter participated in this second edition of the exercise for the first time. Following his participation in the multinational drill, Air Chief Marshal Singh performed his final sortie in uniform on Tuesday, October 20. This 55-minute flight took place in a an HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer aircraft at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, near Hyderabad. The choice of aircraft held symbolic significance, as the Kiran was the same type he used when beginning his aviation career in January 1984. During this final flight, Singh was accompanied by his former instructor, Wing Commander (retd) V S Kochchar. Singh, who graduated from the academy 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. Upon landing, the Chief received a traditional water cannon salute to honor his service. ~~Singh, who graduated from the academy in 1984 with the Sword of Honour,~~ Singh is scheduled to retire on October 31.

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