Jodhpur, October 12, 2026 – Air Chief Marshal's final flight before retirement Air Chief Marshal, the current chief of the Indian Air Force, is retiring on 31 October. Government of India appointed Air Marshal in his place Ashutosh DixitWas appointed a few days ago as the next Air Chief Marshal, who will take charge on October 31.
Meanwhile, the current Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh recently took to the sky for his last fighter flight. Which was shaping up to be a defining moment in a distinguished career shaped by his unrelenting passion for flying and unwavering commitment to national service.
This sortie of Air Chief Marshal, who flew with the aircraft of friendly foreign countries and 'Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team' during Exercise Tarangshakti-26 (#TarangShakti26) held at Jodhpur, reflects the spirit of a fighter pilot who always believes in being ahead and leading.
Watch the video…
A FINAL FIGHTER SORTIE. A LIFETIME OF PASSION.
At the controls of the indigenous Tejas, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, takes to the skies for his last fighter sortie — a defining moment in a distinguished career shaped by an abiding passion for flying and an unwavering commitment to serving the Nation.
Flying alongside Friendly Foreign Country aircraft and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team during Exercise #TarangShakti26, the sortie reflects the spirit of a fighter pilot who has always believed in leading from the front.
As one chapter draws to a close, the passion remains undimmed. The skies may mark the end of a flying chapter, but the mission of service to the Nation continues.
Once a fighter pilot. Always a fighter pilot.
#IndianAirForce #PowerInPartnership #Tejas
#TarangShakti26@ausairforce
@armeedelair
@usairforce
@team_luftwaffe
@modgovae
@defenseminindia
@HQ_IDS_India
@careeriniaf
@air_veterans— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 12, 2026
Although this episode is coming to an end with his retirement coming in a few days, yet the passion of an army soldier remains intact. The sky may mark the end of the flying phase, but the mission of serving the nation will continue.
Also read: Indian Army launches 'Bharat Rice' for soldiers