Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Air Chief Emphasizes Air Power in Modern Warfare
The head of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, spoke at a special event.
He said that air power is very important in modern warfare and that the Indian Air Force has been very effective in past conflicts and operations.
He gave examples of how air power helped in getting people out of conflict zones, fighting terrorists, and sending strong messages to other countries.
He also talked about how having a strong military is important for a country's safety, using examples of Venezuela and Iraq to show what can happen if a country doesn't have strong military power.
He said that just having a strong military isn't enough; a country must also be willing to use that power when needed.
He also mentioned that India should have its own military strategies instead of borrowing from the West.
The Air Chief Marshal praised a former Air Force chief, Subroto Mukherjee, for building a strong foundation for the Indian Air Force.
He said that India should keep improving and preparing for future challenges.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasized the centrality of air power in modern warfare and the importance of a robust military for national security.
He cited Venezuela and Iraq as examples of countries that were subjugated due to lack of military power, despite economic strength.
Singh stressed that the willingness to use military power is as important as having military might, quoting a Hindi poet to underscore this point.
He highlighted the Indian Air Force's (IAF) effective role in past conflicts and operations, such as Operation Sindoor and counterterror operations.
The Air Chief Marshal proposed an India-specific model for military restructuring, expressing reservations about the proposed integrated theatre commands.
- Who
- Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
- What
- Emphasized the centrality of air power in modern warfare and the importance of military strength for national security
- When
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Where
- 22nd Subroto Mukherjee Seminar, organised by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS)
- Why
- To highlight the role of air power in India's military capability and the need for a robust military for national security
- Speaker
- Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
- Event
- 22nd Subroto Mukherjee Seminar
- Key Examples
- Venezuela, Iraq
- Focus Areas
- Air power, Military strength, Will to use power
- Historical Figure
- Subroto Mukherjee
- Operational Examples
- Operation Sindoor, Counterterror operations
- Proposed Restructuring
- Integrated theatre commands
Sources
‘Robust military, strong will key to national security’: Air Force Chief AP Singh cites Venezuela example
Economic Power Alone Cannot...Robust Military Required: IAF Chief Marshal AP Singh On Ensuring National Security Amid Venezuela Crisis
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasizes air power centrality in modern warfare
Military power ultimate arbiter of national security: IAF chief
