Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), visited Headquarters Southern Air Command (SAC) on 16 February 2026 to attend the Annual SAC Commanders’ Conference. He was received by Air Marshal Manish Khanna, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour on arrival.
During the visit, the CAS was briefed on key initiatives, overall operational readiness, air defence preparedness of the southern region, and the ongoing expansion of the Indian Air Force’s reach and capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The briefings highlighted SAC’s critical role in safeguarding India’s southern airspace and supporting maritime security objectives.
The conference, themed “Operational Efficiency through Decision Autonomy,” underscored the Indian Air Force’s evolving approach to modern warfare through decentralised leadership and empowered command structures. Interacting with field commanders from various stations under SAC, the CAS emphasised that decentralised decision-making is vital for rapid response, mission success and maintaining an operational edge in a dynamic security environment.
Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted that trust, accountability and clarity of intent are essential enablers for commanders to exercise autonomy while remaining aligned with strategic objectives. He urged commanders to foster innovation, optimise resources and strengthen jointness, reaffirming the IAF’s commitment to remaining a potent, agile and future-ready aerospace power.
