Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff, visited the Headquarters Southern Air Command (SAC) on February 16, 2026, for the Annual SAC Commanders’ Conference. Upon his arrival, he received a warm welcome from Air Marshal Manish Khanna, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of SAC, and was presented with a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
During his visit, the Air Chief Marshal was provided with comprehensive briefings on various crucial topics, including key initiatives, overall operational readiness, and air defence preparedness in the southern region. Attention was also given to the ongoing expansion of the Indian Air Force’s reach and capabilities within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The briefings underscored the pivotal role of SAC in ensuring the safety of India’s southern airspace and supporting maritime security goals.
This year’s conference was themed “Operational Efficiency through Decision Autonomy,” reflecting the Indian Air Force’s commitment to adapting to modern warfare dynamics. The focus on decentralized leadership and empowered command structures was a significant highlight, as it aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Air Force in a rapidly changing security landscape.
Interacting with field commanders from various stations under SAC, Air Chief Marshal Singh stressed the importance of decentralized decision-making. He noted that such an approach is essential for achieving rapid responses, ensuring mission success, and maintaining an operational advantage. Singh articulated that trust, accountability, and clarity of intent are critical components that enable commanders to exercise this autonomy while staying aligned with strategic objectives.
Furthermore, he encouraged the commanders to foster a culture of innovation, optimize resources, and strengthen joint operations within the Air Force. His remarks reaffirmed the IAF’s dedication to being a powerful, agile, and future-ready aerospace force capable of addressing the diverse challenges of modern warfare.
