Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed his final trainer sortie in an HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 aircraft on 20 October 2026. The 55-minute flight took place at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, near Hyderabad.
HJT-16 Kiran Aircraft
The HJT-16 Kiran is a jet trainer developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. “HJT” stands for Hindustan Jet Trainer. The Kiran first flew in 1964 and entered IAF service in 1968. The Kiran aircraft used for the sortie carried the tail number U 707. Singh flew alongside his first flying instructor, retired Wing Commander V.S. Kochar. Singh began his flying journey in the same aircraft type on 28 January 1984.
Air Force Academy and Flying Training
The Air Force Academy is situated at Dundigal, around 25 kilometres from Hyderabad. It trains officer cadets for flying and ground-duty branches of the Indian Air Force. The academy was established in 1969. Trainer aircraft provide instruction in areas such as basic flying skills, aircraft handling and operational procedures. The Kiran is a two-seat aircraft, allowing an instructor and trainee to fly together.
Trainer and Fighter Aircraft
Singh’s Kiran sortie followed his final fighter sortie on 12 October 2026. He flew an indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft during Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur Air Force Station. After landing at the Air Force Academy, Singh received a water cannon salute. He described the flight as a “dream come true” and thanked his former instructor.
Important Facts for Exams
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited developed the HJT-16 Kiran for the Indian Air Force.
- The Air Force Academy is located at Dundigal in Telangana.
- The Tejas is an indigenous light combat aircraft developed for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
- Exercise Tarang Shakti is an Indian Air Force multinational air exercise.
Indian Air Force Leadership
Singh was expected to retire at the end of October 2026, with Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named as his successor. The Chief of the Air Staff is the professional head of the Indian Air Force.
