IAF Chief Lauds 'Operation Sindoor', Emphasizes Aerospace Power at Graduation Parade
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, hailed "Operation Sindoor" as proof of IAF's professionalism and precision. He stressed the increasing relevance of aerospace power in evolving warfare and the IAF's role as a first responder in national crises. 254 flight cadets were commissioned, urged to uphold IAF's core values and prepare for future challenges, including space ventures.
Unpacked:
Operation Sindoor was a major Indian military air assault launched on May 7, 2025, in direct response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to deter future attacks and demonstrate India's resolve against cross-border terrorism.
After India's initial strikes on terrorist camps, Pakistan retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Indian territory. India’s air defenses neutralized these attacks, and in response, India launched a second phase of Operation Sindoor targeting key military structures in Pakistan, which pressured Islamabad to seek peace talks within hours.
Operation Sindoor was notable for its use of advanced missiles like BrahMos, Scalp, and Crystal Maze, as well as indigenous loitering munitions. The Indian Air Force also bypassed and jammed Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defense systems, completing critical missions in record time and demonstrating high professionalism and technological edge.
Operation Sindoor marked a shift in India’s approach to deterrence, showing a willingness for swift, large-scale retaliation against terror attacks. It signaled that India would no longer absorb attacks without a forceful response, altering the strategic calculus for both adversaries and observers regarding regional security dynamics.