At the Air Force Commanders’ Conclave, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Air Force’s efforts during Operation Sindoor.
He emphasized the military’s successful demonstration of India’s “high-impact, short-duration” operational capacity in this decisive strike. Singh advised commanders to learn important lessons from the operation and continue to be ready for new challenges.
Targeting several terror installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Operation Sindoor began early on May 7. Terror camps were destroyed by the Indian Air Force’s valiant, swift, and accurate strikes. Pakistan’s careless response, particularly its offensives on Indian targets, was successfully countered by this prompt action.
After mutual understanding, the nearly 88-hour crisis between the two nuclear-armed neighbors came to an end on the evening of May 10. The IAF is a technologically sophisticated, operationally flexible, and strategically confident force, according to Singh. He emphasized its function in defending national interests in the face of a changing international system.
Singh cited the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas confrontations, Balakot airstrikes, and Operation Sindoor as examples of contemporary conflicts. These incidents highlight the rise of air power as a decisive factor. He said that air power is a strategic tool with inherent speed, surprise, and shock effects that goes beyond tactical utility.
Leadership may preserve national interests by using air power to communicate with adversaries in a clear and strategic manner. It synchronizes military tactics with national goals through its scope and accuracy. Singh praised the effectiveness of India’s air defense apparatus and systems used in Operation Sindoor.
The minister reiterated the Modi administration’s resolve to strengthen India’s security apparatus. He defined 21st-century warfare as a struggle including ideas, technology, and adaptability in addition to weaponry. Cyberwarfare, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite surveillance, and space capabilities are examples of emerging fields.
Success in modern conflicts now depends on data-driven decision-making, real-time intelligence, and precision-guided weapons. Global leadership will go to nations that have mastered the trinity of technology, strategic vision, and adaptability. Singh said he trusted Prime Minister Modi’s announcement on Independence Day about the Sudarshan Chakra to safeguard national resources.
With complete government support, the development of domestic jet engines has been elevated to a national task. As of November 2025, 565 challenges under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) system have produced 672 winners, including 96 from 77 challenges pertaining to the IAF. Self-reliance in defense is advanced by this development.
Operation Sindoor was praised by Singh as an excellent illustration of tri-service cooperation. He emphasized that the Army, Navy, and Air Force must work together to improve security and successfully combat enemies. Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and other commanders attend the summit, which helps discuss defense goals and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Launched by the armed services on May 7, Operation Sindoor was a historic display of India’s high-impact, short-duration operational capacity. Key camps connected to cross-border terrorism were destroyed by the Indian Air Force’s precise attacks against several terror infrastructures located deep within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor in early May 2025. The Indian Air Force used precision strikes on eleven important Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan (Chaklala), Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad. These attacks, which were carried out on May 8–10 utilizing BrahMos cruise missiles and stand-off weapons, severely damaged runways, hangars, radar systems, command centers, and aircraft shelters. They also caused operational disruptions and grounded many Pakistan Air Force squadrons. High-value assets like F-16 aircraft, a Saab 2000 Erieye AWACS, a C-130 Hercules, and multiple JF-17s were destroyed in the operation, revealing vulnerabilities that required immediate US-assisted repairs and refuting Pakistan’s minimization claims.
Threats that had long threatened regional security were successfully neutralized by this quick response, which demonstrated the IAF’s bravery, speed, and precise accuracy.
In response, Pakistan launched careless offensives and attempted strikes on Indian sites, but New Delhi’s ensuing counteroffensives were all included in Operation Sindoor. Throughout the nearly 88-hour battle, the IAF maintained air superiority by skillfully managing aerial escalations in addition to destroying the key objectives. Following a mutual understanding between the nuclear-armed neighbors, the engagement came to an end on May 10th in the evening, preventing a wider escalation.
With the Army, Navy, and Air Force working together seamlessly to achieve decisive results, the operation was a prime example of tri-service synergy.
Singh was briefed on IAF operational readiness upon arrival. Additionally, he recognized the Air Force’s domestic and international humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts. The public’s confidence in air warriors has grown as a result of these missions, which frequently take place in difficult circumstances.
IAF leadership uses the conclave as a strategic platform to address new threats and advance independence. The IAF’s crucial position in India’s defense posture is reaffirmed in Singh’s speech, which combines technological expertise with flexible tactics for future preparedness.
