SOURCE: AFI
In a display of leadership and operational understanding, Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Western Air Command (WAC), undertook a combat mission on February 26, 2024, flying a Dassault Rafale fighter jet at one of India’s forward airbases.
The sortie, flown in an operational profile through dusk and culminating at night, served a dual purpose. Air Marshal Sinha not only assessed the combat readiness of the airbase but also interacted directly with air warriors, gaining firsthand insights into their operational environment and morale.
This mission by the AOC-in-C underscores the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) commitment to maintaining a high state of operational preparedness at all times, across all levels of leadership. Air Marshal Sinha’s personal experience in a simulated combat scenario provides him with invaluable perspective as he leads the WAC in safeguarding India’s airspace.