In a landmark moment for India’s military synergy, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal AP Singh, took to the skies in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on the eve of Aero India 2025 today. This historic flight, conducted at the prestigious airshow’s host city of Bengaluru, signifies a new chapter in the collaboration between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“This unprecedented event not only highlights a personal milestone for the two Chiefs, who share the bond of being course mates but also symbolizes the growing synergy between the two services,” read an official statement from the Indian Army.
The flight showcased India’s rapid progress in achieving self-reliance in defence, a cornerstone of the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Designed and developed domestically, the Tejas fighter jet represents a triumph of Indigenous engineering and a testament to the nation’s ability to produce cutting-edge military technology, the statement stated.
The collaboration between General Dwivedi and Air Marshal Singh during this flight underscores the increasing integration between India’s armed forces. This joint display of operational excellence reflects the vital role of inter-service cooperation in modern warfare, where seamless synergy is critical to achieving tactical and strategic objectives.
The Indian Army’s involvement in the air domain has grown significantly, particularly in areas like tactical battlefields where technologies such as advanced helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and air defence solutions are indispensable. Today’s flight also highlights the Army’s evolving role in these domains and its collaboration with the Air Force to address future challenges.
As India undergoes a transformative decade (2023–2032) in its defence operations, events like this symbolize the strides being made to integrate advanced technologies across all branches of the armed forces. The deepening cooperation between the Army and the Air Force is a key pillar in ensuring the nation’s preparedness for future conflicts.
Aero India 2025 serves as a premier platform for the Indian Armed Forces to engage with global defence leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and secure innovative solutions to bolster operational capabilities. This year’s edition comes at a pivotal time as India continues its drive toward self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.
The historic flight by General Dwivedi and Air Chief Marshal Singh is more than just a symbolic gesture—it is a powerful statement of India’s growing prowess in indigenous defence production. It reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to nation-building and its emergence as a global defence power.
As the Indian Army and Air Force strengthen their collaboration, the Tejas stand as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and national pride, embodying India’s aspirations to lead on the global defence stage.
Team BharatShakti
