‘Air power did the trick’, Operation Sindoor delivered results in hours: IAF chief

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh

• Military strength is vital for national security, says IAF Chief AP Singh
• Air power is key in modern warfare and achieving strategic objectives
• Economic power alone can't ensure security; military preparedness is crucial

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Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Wednesday underlined that military strength remains central to safeguarding national sovereignty, asserting that economic power by itself cannot guarantee security.

Speaking at the 22nd Subroto Mukerjee Seminar, the Air Chief highlighted the growing relevance of air power in modern warfare, saying the IAF has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver swift and decisive results, including the capability to strike multiple targets in Pakistan within a matter of hours.

Referring to recent global and domestic conflicts, Singh said air power has emerged as the most effective instrument in achieving strategic objectives.

“What is happening around the world and what has happened in India… which part of military power has come in handy… which has delivered what was required to be delivered… I think I don’t have to name it – it is the air power, and it becomes very important that we focus our attention on this part of the military if we want a force to reckon with," the IAF chief said.

He cited a range of operations to illustrate air power’s impact, from humanitarian evacuations to offensive strikes.

“Whether it is getting people out of conflict zones, like we did in Sudan or whether it is giving a blow to the terrorist infrastructure and their perpetrators or whether it is attacking multiple bases in Pakistan in a matter of a few hours to send a signal that enough is enough and bring them to their knees. It was air power that did the trick, and that has to be remembered," he added.

The Air Chief also cautioned against viewing economic growth as a substitute for military preparedness, pointing to historical and contemporary examples.

“We must understand that military power stands as the ultimate arbiter of national power. Anybody can be economically sound but can’t be secure. We have the example of our own country, we plus China controlled 60% of worlds GDP at one time, but that didn’t stop us from getting captured and colonised… Venezuela and Iraq are the most recent examples. It is the military power which is important, but what is more important is the will to use that military power," Singh said.

He further noted that India’s security challenges are often shaped by developments in its neighbourhood, sometimes forcing reactive decisions. Stressing the need for preparedness, Singh called for faster decision-making on Make in India initiatives and stronger strategic partnerships for next-generation engines and weapon systems to boost self-reliance.

*With ANI inputs