The Indian Air Force shared photographs and details of Air Chief Marshal AP Singh's farewell on its official X handle, stating, "Air Chief Marshal AP Singh handed over the command of the Indian Air Force today after 42 years of distinguished service. On this occasion, he paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation at the National War Memorial. Subsequently, IAF personnel presented him with a Guard of Honour as a farewell salute."
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh retired on October 31, 2026, after completing his 25-month tenure. His successor, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, will take charge as the next Chief of the Indian Air Force on the same day.
Before his retirement, Air Chief Marshal Singh had already received three official farewells. His tenure is expected to be remembered for several significant developments, including Operation Sindoor, efforts to promote indigenous defence manufacturing and steps to strengthen the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities.
According to the report, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally bid farewell to the retiring Air Chief Marshal on October 26. On October 27, senior Air Force officers organised a farewell dinner in his honour at the Akash Officers' Mess near India Gate.
On October 28, Air Headquarters held a farewell ceremony at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park. On Saturday, he was accorded a formal Guard of Honour at the Air Force Station in New Delhi.
Operation Sindoor remained one of the most prominent events of Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh's tenure. Under his leadership, the Indian Air Force demonstrated its air power effectively and decisively during Operation Sindoor and the associated military operations. The IAF's operational capabilities and rapid response during the operations received considerable attention.
Air Chief Marshal Singh had long advocated indigenous defence manufacturing and self-reliance. He previously served as the Flight Test Director for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and consistently emphasised the need to promote domestic defence production.
During his tenure, he openly raised issues concerning delays in the delivery of Tejas fighter aircraft, shortages of squadrons and delays in the supply of weapons. His forthright remarks on matters related to defence preparedness frequently drew attention.
He also led the MiG-29 Upgrade Project Management Team in Moscow, making a significant contribution to the modernisation of the Indian Air Force's fighter aircraft fleet.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh handed over command of the #IndianAirForce today, after 42 years of distinguished service. On the occasion, he paid homage at the #NationalWarMemorial to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Nation. This was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour, presented as a parting salute by the Air Warriors of the #IAF. #IndianAirForce @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @indiannavy @CareerinIAF @air_veterans
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 31, 2026
As a fighter pilot, experimental test pilot and qualified flying instructor, Air Chief Marshal Singh accumulated more than 5,000 hours of flying experience.
Shortly before his retirement, he undertook a special flight in a Kiran trainer aircraft alongside his first instructor, retired Wing Commander V.S. Kochhar. The flight was conducted after obtaining special permission from the Ministry of Defence.
With his retirement on October 31, 2026, the Indian Air Force enters a new phase under Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, while Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh's 42-year career comes to a close.
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