By Chaitali Bag
The skies over Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru witnessed a historic and symbolic event on Sunday as Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi flew together in the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This moment was not just a testament to the advanced capabilities of India’s indigenous defence technology but also a powerful display of jointness between the Indian Armed Forces. The event served as a prelude to the much-anticipated Aero India-2025. This exhibition underscores India’s growing prowess in aerospace and defence manufacturing under the vision of Aatmanirbharta, or self-reliance.
The sortie was a significant moment for both leaders, showcasing the deep camaraderie and synergy between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army. The experience was particularly transformative for General Upendra Dwivedi, as he described it as the “best moment” of his life. He expressed deep admiration for Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, whom he fondly referred to as his “guru” for guiding him through the challenging flight. Reflecting on the experience, General Dwivedi even humorously lamented not choosing the Air Force as his career path during his early days at the National Defence Academy (NDA). His remarks highlighted the mutual respect and shared commitment to service that bind the leadership of India’s armed forces.
The event also served as a platform to showcase the LCA Tejas, a symbol of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas is a lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft equipped with cutting-edge technology. It has been a cornerstone of India’s efforts to reduce dependency on foreign military imports and bolster domestic production. The aircraft’s significance was previously highlighted when Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a sortie in November 2023, describing the experience as enriching and a boost to his confidence in India’s self-reliance in defence.
The Indian Air Force has already inducted approximately 40 Tejas aircraft into its fleet, with plans to acquire 83 more LCA Mark 1As. However, these plans have faced delays due to supply chain issues with the US-based engine manufacturer, General Electric (GE). Despite these challenges, the IAF remains committed to expanding its fleet, with discussions underway for an additional procurement of 97 Tejas jets. The LCA program is thus not only a technological achievement but also a strategic imperative for India’s defence preparedness.
The joint sortie by the Air Chief Marshal and the Army Chief is a symbolic yet impactful gesture that underscores the importance of inter-service cooperation in modern warfare. The challenges faced by military pilots, as acknowledged by General Dwivedi, require a synergistic approach that integrates the strengths of all branches of the armed forces. The event also sends a strong message of India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence, aligning with the government’s broader vision of Aatmanirbharta.
As Aero India-2025 approaches, this event sets a promising tone for what lies ahead. It showcases not only the technological advancements of India’s defence sector but also the unity and shared vision of its armed forces. The image of the Air Chief Marshal and the Army Chief soaring together in the LCA Tejas is a powerful reminder of the strides India has made in achieving self-reliance, fostering inter-service collaboration, and preparing for the challenges of the future.
With inputs from PTI
