Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Fly LCA Tejas at Aero India 2025

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru by taking a sortie in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The event, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station, officially begins on February 10 and will run until February 14.

A Historic Moment for Indian Defence

The audience watched as Air Chief Marshal Singh piloted the indigenous LCA Tejas, with Army Chief General Dwivedi as his co-passenger. After landing, General Dwivedi described the experience as an unforgettable moment and praised the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its challenging operations.

General Dwivedi’s Experience in Tejas

Speaking to the media, General Dwivedi shared his excitement about the flight.

“This was the best moment of my life. The Air Chief and I have known each other since our NDA days. If I had flown earlier, I might have chosen the Air Force and become a fighter pilot,” he said.

He further added that Air Chief Marshal Singh guided him through complex aerial maneuvers, calling him his "guru in the sky."

Tejas: India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet

The LCA Tejas, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft. It is designed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy and represents India's advancements in indigenous defense technology.

Aero India 2025: A Showcase of India’s Air Power

Aero India 2025 is a biennial event that highlights India’s growing aerospace and defense capabilities. This year, it features:

Live aircraft demonstrations

Defense technology exhibitions

International collaborations

Insights into India’s Make-in-India defense initiatives

The Aero India 2025 inauguration with the LCA Tejas sortie reflects India's commitment to advancing its defense capabilities. The participation of top military leaders highlights the synergy between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, showcasing India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology.