In a momentous occasion at Aero India 2025, the chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces made history by flying together in the trainer variant of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) AP Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi embarked on this historic flight, marking the first time two serving chiefs have piloted an indigenous fighter aircraft together. This significant event underscores the themes of jointness and self-reliance in India’s defence capabilities.
The flight took place at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, with ACM AP Singh in the pilot’s seat and Gen Upendra Dwivedi acting as the co-pilot. Prior to the sortie, both chiefs underwent comprehensive medical assessments to ensure compliance with flight safety protocols.
Following the flight, Gen Upendra Dwivedi shared his reflections on the experience, expressing his admiration for the Indian Air Force and the significance of the event. “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!” quipped the Army Chief, adding humor to the occasion. “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.”
The symbolism of this historic flight goes beyond the camaraderie displayed between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force; it emphasizes the growing collaborative ethos crucial for modern warfare. It also serves as a robust endorsement of India’s indigenous defence capabilities that underscore the success of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives in the aerospace sector. The operational excellence and competitive standing of the LCA Tejas, which was designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are also highlighted through this significant event.
The LCA Tejas is recognized as a multi-role, supersonic fighter aircraft, noted for its advanced avionics and state-of-the-art weapon systems, exceptional agility and high maneuverability, and fly-by-wire control system that enhances both precision and safety. Its indigenous design represents a significant milestone in India’s technological advancement within the defence arena.
As one of Asia’s largest biennial air shows, Aero India 2025, organized by the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence, aims to showcase the latest advancements in defence technologies and global aviation innovations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who confirmed his attendance, remarked, “Aero India 2025 will showcase cutting-edge defence technologies and global aviation excellence. I look forward to witnessing the future of the aerospace sector.”
The historic flight undertaken by ACM AP Singh and Gen Upendra Dwivedi not only sets a high benchmark for the ongoing event but also embodies India’s dedication to enhancing its defence self-reliance and reinforcing the unbreakable bond between its armed forces.
