One last flight before retirement: IAF chief A P Singh's emotional farewell aboard Tejas

Final flight

One last takeoff before hanging up his flying boots. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, set to retire on October 31, climbed into the cockpit of India's indigenous Tejas fighter jet for his final fighter sortie. At Jodhpur Air Force Station, the IAF chief marked the closing chapter of his flying career in the aircraft that symbolises India's push for self-reliance in defence.

Tejas farewell

For his final fighter sortie, India's Air Force chief chose a homegrown combat aircraft. Flying the Tejas during Exercise Tarang Shakti, A P Singh took to the skies alongside aircraft from friendly foreign nations and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. The IAF shared dramatic footage of the flight, calling it a reflection of a fighter pilot who believed in leading from the front.

Stealth debut

The farewell flight unfolded against the backdrop of a major multinational air exercise. The US F-35 stealth fighter made its first appearance at Exercise Tarang Shakti, held at Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12. Seven foreign nations participated, bringing international air power together as India showcased its own combat capabilities and defence technology.

Unfinished passion

The fighter jet may have landed, but the pilot's passion remains. In an emotional tribute, the Indian Air Force described A P Singh's final sortie as a defining moment in a career devoted to flying and national service. "Once a fighter pilot. Always a fighter pilot," the force declared, as the Air Chief Marshal prepared to retire on October 31.