In a landmark moment for India’s defence sector, the Vice Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force flew together in the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, marking the first time all three Vice Chiefs have participated in a joint flight. The event is seen as a powerful demonstration of India’s growing emphasis on integrated defence capabilities and cross-domain cooperation.
Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal AP Singh led the formation, piloting the LCA Tejas, while Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani and Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan joined him in the twin-seater variant. This unprecedented collaboration highlights the unified approach of India’s armed forces in addressing emerging security challenges across land, sea, and air.
The flight took place over Jodhpur, as part of the Indian Air Force’s multinational exercise Tarang Shakti 2024—the nation’s first exercise of its kind, designed to boost operational coordination and interoperability between India and Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). The exercise aims to strengthen ties and enhance military cooperation, positioning India as a regional leader in defence partnerships.
The inclusion of the Tejas in the exercise further underscores India’s commitment to its ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing the capabilities of its homegrown defence platforms. Designed by the Aeronautical Design Agency (ADA) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas is a cutting-edge multi-role fighter that reduces India’s reliance on foreign imports, while meeting the advanced requirements of the nation’s armed forces.
During the exercise, the Vice Chiefs also interacted with Indian and international forces, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the event. Their joint participation not only highlights India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence but also underscores the seamless integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in addressing modern military challenges. This historic flight is a testament to India’s advancing defence technologies, leadership, and its increasing role in fostering global defence partnerships.
