In a landmark event at Aero India 2025, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) AP Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi made history by flying together in the trainer version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This marks the first time two serving chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces have flown an indigenous fighter aircraft together, showcasing the spirit of jointness and self-reliance in defence capabilities.
A Historic Sortie at Aero India 2025
The sortie took place at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, with ACM AP Singh taking the pilot’s seat and Gen Upendra Dwivedi serving as the co-pilot. Both chiefs underwent rigorous medical check-ups prior to the flight, ensuring adherence to flight safety protocols.
Sharing his experience after the flight, Gen Upendra Dwivedi expressed his admiration for the Indian Air Force:
“It was the best moment of my life. As you are aware, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh is my course mate, and we’ve been together since our NDA days. I wish I had met him earlier—I might have chosen the Air Force instead!”
He humorously added:
“If I had joined the Air Force, I would have been a fighter pilot. From today, AP Singh is my guru. I truly relished the experience and admire the challenges faced by our Air Force pilots. It’s a great start for Aero India 2025.”
Symbol of Jointness and Aatmanirbharta
This historic flight symbolizes:
- The deep camaraderie and jointness between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, critical for modern warfare.
- A strong endorsement of India’s indigenous defence capabilities, highlighting the success of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives in the aerospace sector.
- The operational excellence and global competitiveness of the LCA Tejas, designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
About the LCA Tejas
The LCA Tejas is a multi-role, supersonic fighter aircraft known for its:
- Advanced avionics and state-of-the-art weapon systems
- Agility and high maneuverability
- Fly-by-wire control system, enhancing precision and safety
- Indigenous design, representing India’s technological prowess in defence
Aero India 2025: Showcasing India’s Aerospace Excellence
The 15th edition of Aero India, organized by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, is one of Asia’s largest biennial air shows. This year’s event promises to showcase cutting-edge defence technologies, global aviation innovations, and indigenous aerospace capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while confirming his participation, stated:
“Aero India 2025 will showcase cutting-edge defence technologies and global aviation excellence. I look forward to witnessing the future of the aerospace sector.”
This historic flight by the two chiefs sets the tone for Aero India 2025, reflecting India’s growing defence self-reliance and the unbreakable bond between its armed forces.
