Jodhpur: In a strong endorsement of India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew a solo sortie in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 at the Jodhpur airbase, marking a significant moment ahead of his retirement on October 31, 2026.
The flight took place against the backdrop of Exercise Tarang Shakti, a multinational air exercise bringing together advanced aircraft and personnel from several air forces. The sortie highlighted the Indian Air Force’s continued focus on indigenous defence technology and the strategic importance of the Tejas programme.
Air Chief Marshal Singh joined the Indian Air Force on December 21, 1984, and assumed charge as Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2024. His career spans more than four decades of service. Although he has previously raised concerns over delays in Tejas deliveries, his decision to fly the indigenous fighter underscored the aircraft’s importance to India’s long-term defence modernisation efforts.
Meanwhile, the government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff. Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he is scheduled to assume charge on October 31, 2026, as the 29th chief of the force.
Commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream in December 1986, Air Marshal Dixit has logged more than 3,500 flying hours on aircraft including the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Hawk, Tejas and various MiG variants.
His career includes command of the Central Air Command, service as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and leadership of the MiG-29 upgrade project management team in Moscow. He is expected to play a key role in guiding the IAF’s modernisation and operational preparedness in the coming years.
