IAF Chief Flies Final Tejas Sortie During Tarang Shakti Exercise

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew his final fighter sortie in a Tejas light combat aircraft during the Tarang Shakti exercise at Jodhpur. The flight marked the end of his operational flying career as he prepares to leave the post of Chief of the Air Staff.

The Indian Air Force released photographs of the sortie. Singh has commanded the service through a period of fleet modernisation that includes the induction of more Tejas Mk1A aircraft and preparations for future platforms. The Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is the IAF’s indigenous single-engine fighter.

Tarang Shakti is a multilateral air exercise that brings together aircraft and crews from several countries. The Jodhpur phase includes both Indian and foreign participants flying mixed missions. Singh’s participation in a Tejas underscored the type’s growing role in front-line squadrons.

The IAF has ordered additional Tejas aircraft and is working through delivery schedules with HAL. Operational availability and spares support remain subjects of ongoing discussion between the service and the manufacturer. The chief’s final flight on the type draws attention to those programmes at a moment of leadership transition.

No specific date for Singh’s retirement has been confirmed in public statements. Succession planning is under way. The Tejas sortie was the last time he will fly a fighter in uniform.

The exercise continues after his flight. Foreign contingents remain at Jodhpur for further sorties. The IAF has not released details of the missions Singh flew beyond confirming the aircraft type and the location.