SP's Aviation - ISSUE No 9-2026 - IAF Special
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EXCLUSIVE
IAF SPECIAL: CAS INTERVIEWSpeaking to Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief of SP’s Aviation, on the occasion of the 94th Indian Air Force Day, the outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, reflects candidly on his tenure, outlines his vision for the IAF, and details the modernisation plans that will build a future-ready force
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has called for a sharper focus on fewer indigenous fighter aircraft programmes, warning that prolonged delays in delivering combat platforms are directly affecting the IAF’s modernisation plans.
The IAF’s expanding international engagements through bilateral and multilateral exercises have strengthened operational learning, interoperability and professional ties with partner air forces.
The future of warfare lies not in choosing between manned and unmanned systems, but in integrating them. Human cognition, judgement and ethical decision-making, combined with the scale, affordability and versatility of unmanned platforms, can create a more effective and resilient combat capability.
The future of air power lies in integrating manned and unmanned platforms rather than treating them as competing alternatives. For India, translating technological advances into operational capability will require sustained procurement, industrial scale, clear doctrine, and commanders trained to employ these systems effectively.
The MiG-21 left Indian Air Force service in September 2025 after decades of yeoman service to the Nation. A pilot who flew it, with utmost respect, instructed on it and commanded a squadron of it recalls a machine that demanded respect and repaid it in full.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh completes his tenure and hands over the baton on October 31, 2026. Among the most affable and charming Chiefs the Force has known, he leaves behind the legacy of a true ‘leader’, a consummate professional and a complete gentleman. We wish him the very best in all his future endeavours!
October 6, 2026 – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden live jump of the Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at one of the highest-altitude drop zones, Nyoma (Mudh DZ).
October 6, 2026 – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out the successful flight trial of indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS).
September 18, 2026 – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) Twin Seater Trainers & three HTT 40 Basic Trainers to the Indian Air Force...
October 1, 2026 – Embraer and Mahindra Group are continuing preparatory discussions and planning activities regarding an industrial and support ecosystem for the C-390 Millennium in India, as the companies jointly pursue the Indian Air Force (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.
October 12, 2026 – GE Aerospace announced plans to nearly double supplier spend in-country from 2025 to 2030 to help meet India’s growing demand for flight and leadership in the aviation industry.
October 11, 2026 – The Governor of Odisha, Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, inaugurated a Boeing Sukanya Program STEM lab and Aeromodeling Training Center at The Kosala School in Bargarh district, Odisha.
September 30, 2026 – Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines today announced the African carrier has ordered eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters.
September 23, 2026 – Boeing and Turkish Airlines today announced an order for up to 150 737 MAX airplanes, concluding the discussions initiated in 2025 and supporting the flag carrier’s expansion goals.
September 23, 2026 – Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced today the national carrier placed an order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to grow and renew its fleet.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
ATR Appoints Vittorio Lorenzo Della Bella as CEO and Patrick Bergues as CFO.