Hindon AFS Celebrates 93rd Air Force Day, Highlights Operation Sindoor Success
Ghaziabad, October 8, 2025 – The Indian Air Force (IAF) today commemorated its 93rd Air Force Day at Hindon Air Force Station (AFS) with a spectacular display of aerial prowess and technological advancements, with a central theme focusing on the achievements of Operation Sindoor. The event showcased the IAF's operational capabilities, its role in national security, and its humanitarian efforts.
The celebrations at Hindon AFS, a key hub during Operation Sindoor, saw participation from air warriors, senior defense officials, dignitaries, and veterans. The airbase had facilitated the deployment of critical aircraft during the operation, highlighting its strategic importance.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, in his address, provided a detailed account of Operation Sindoor, describing it as a "highlight of the year" for the IAF. He stated that the operation achieved its objectives swiftly and with precision, bringing Pakistan "to its knees". The IAF acted under a clear mandate to punish Pakistan following terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Sindoor, which commenced on May 7, 2025, was launched in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, in which 26 tourists were killed. The operation involved missile and air strikes targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Air Chief Marshal Singh revealed that the "longest kill" achieved by the IAF during Operation Sindoor was 300 kilometers inside Pakistani territory. He also highlighted the destruction of multiple Pakistani air bases and associated infrastructure, including radar sites, command-and-control centers, runways, and aircraft hangars. According to intelligence reports, radars were damaged at four locations, command-and-control centers destroyed at two, and runways at two airfields were hit. Clear evidence indicated the destruction of one C-130 class aircraft, along with four to five F-16 fighter jets. The IAF chief also revealed the likely loss of one long-range platform, possibly an AEW&C or SIGINT aircraft, and five high-tech fighters of the F-16 and JF-17 class. He estimated that the IAF destroyed 12 to 13 of Pakistan's combat aircraft, including several F-16s and JF-17s, a C-130 strategic transport aircraft, and two spy planes.
The IAF showcased a range of platforms, including the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29 fighter jets, the indigenous Netra AEW&C, the C-17 Globemaster III, the indigenous Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, the C-130J Hercules, Apache attack helicopters, the Advanced Light Helicopter, and an S-band Rohini radar. The recently retired MiG-21 Bison, which played a role in deterring Pakistani air movements during Operation Sindoor, was also part of the display.
The IAF also highlighted its participation in international exercises, such as Desert Knight, Red Flag Alaska, Udara Shakti in Malaysia, and Bright Star in Egypt, demonstrating its growing global military cooperation. The event also acknowledged Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's historic mission as the first Indian pilot to board the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025.
Looking to the future, Air Chief Marshal Singh discussed the IAF's modernization plans under Roadmap 2047 and the proposed indigenous Sudarshan Chakra air defense system, aimed at shielding critical infrastructure. He also addressed the relevance of manned aircraft in future warfare, countering claims that drones would completely replace them.
While the IAF showcased its achievements, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan acknowledged that "unspecified" losses were sustained during Operation Sindoor but stressed that all mission objectives were achieved.
