Operation Sindoor reaffirmed importance of offensive air operations: IAF chief

The Indian Air Forces bold and precise attacks on enemy targets during Operation Sindoor restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on WednesdayThe Chief of Air Staff also said his force has proved to the world how air power can be effectively used in shaping military outcomes in just a few daysAir Chief Marshal Singh was addressing air warriors on the occasion of the 93rd Air Force Day at the Hindon air base The Indian Air Force IAF was officially established on October 8 1932While hailing the success of Operation Sindoor he called upon air warriors to remain prepared for future security challenges emphasising that the IAFs planning must be innovative practical and adaptive and its training must be based on the principle of train like we fightOur performance in Operation Sindoor fills us with professional pride We proved to the world how air power can be effectively used in shaping military outcome in just a few days he saidThe Chief of Air Staff described Operation Sindoor as a shining example of what can be achieved through meticulous planning disciplined training and determined executionIndias bold and precise attacks restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness he saidOur robust air defence architecture and offensive employment of longrange surface to air missiles systems limited the adversarys ability to operate and ensured safety of our vital assets he saidThe outstanding performance of the indigenously developed and integrated weapons which delivered precise and devastating blows deep inside enemy territory vindicates our faith in homegrown capabilities he saidIn response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 using air power to destroy several terror infrastructures in territories controlled by PakistanThe strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10In his remarks Air Chief Marshal Singh also noted that the increasing pace of integration of new systems weapons and equipment into the IAFs operational plans has been a significant successI can see that there is an increased culture of accountability safety and security amongst the air warriors and this is directly reflecting in our reduced incidents and accidents he saidAt all levels leaders are leading from the front demonstrating exceptional vision and empathy They are ensuring that every individual is empowered with the necessary training and is motivated he addedThe Chief of Air Staff also underlined the need for the IAF to remain prepared for any contingencies and called for effective teamworkAs we celebrate our triumphs and success we must remain prepared for the future Our planning must be innovative practical and adaptiveOur training must be based on the principle of train like we fight Hence it should continue to be honest rigorous and relevant to the emerging challenges he saidThe Chief of Air Staff also called for the IAF to leverage its collective strength and foster synergy not only within the force but also with other defence servicesWe must recognise that victory comes with effective teamwork We have to leverage our collective strength foster synergy and promote interoperability not only within the Indian Air Force but also with other defence services and organisations so as to achieve national goals he saidThe Chief of Air Staff also referred to his forces role during various national crisesDuring Operation Sindhu the IAF sprang into action to evacuate Indian citizens from conflictridden zones he saidThe compassion speed and reliability with which the Indian Air Force delivered hope often under hazardous conditions embodies the highest ideals of service before self he notedIndia launched Operation Sindhu in June to evacuate Indian nationals from conflict zones in Iran and IsraelThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever