Operation Sindoor showcased India’s high-impact air power: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Dec 18: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India’s Armed Forces had demonstrated “high-impact, short-duration operational capability” during Operation Sindoor, underlining the growing role of air power in safeguarding national interests amid a rapidly evolving global security environment.

Addressing the Air Force Commanders’ Conclave in New Delhi on December 18, 2025, Rajnath Singh described the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a technologically advanced, operationally agile and strategically confident force.

He praised the speed, precision and courage with which the IAF destroyed terror camps during the operation, and its effective handling of what he termed Pakistan’s “irresponsible reaction” following the strikes.

Highlighting public confidence in India’s air defence preparedness, the Defence Minister said that people remained calm and continued with their daily lives even when Pakistani forces attempted to target Indian installations.

“This is proof of the trust of every Indian in our operational preparedness,” he said, urging IAF commanders to draw lessons from Operation Sindoor and remain vigilant in the face of future challenges.

Referring to the changing nature of warfare, Rajnath Singh said recent conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor, had shown that air power had emerged as a decisive force.

He stressed that air power was not merely a tactical asset but a strategic instrument, characterised by speed, surprise and shock.

“Through speed, reach and precision, air power has become an effective tool for aligning national objectives with military means,” he said.

While commending the performance of India’s air defence systems and other equipment used during Operation Sindoor, Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security apparatus.

He said modern warfare was increasingly shaped by cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, satellite-based surveillance and space-enabled operations, making precision weapons, real-time intelligence and data-driven decision-making essential for success.

The Defence Minister expressed confidence that the Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address this year, would play a key role in protecting national assets.

He also said the development of indigenous jet engines had become a national mission, with the government fully committed to achieving self-reliance in this critical area.

Describing Operation Sindoor as a “shining example” of tri-service synergy, Rajnath Singh underlined the importance of jointness among the three Services to effectively counter emerging threats.

He also lauded the IAF’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in India and abroad, saying such missions had strengthened public trust in the force.

The conclave was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and senior IAF commanders.

Rajnath Singh was received by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and briefed on the IAF’s operational readiness.

The conclave serves as a key platform for the IAF leadership to review operational priorities, address emerging challenges and advance self-reliance in defence capabilities.