Indian Army and Air Force Chiefs make history at Aero India 2025, Fly LCA Tejas Together

In a landmark moment for India’s armed forces, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi jointly flew the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas at Aero India 2025. Taking off from Air Force Station Yelahanka, the two top military leaders—former course mates from the National Defence Academy (NDA)—completed a successful sortie, showcasing the growing synergy between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.

This historic flight marks the first time that two serving chiefs of the Indian military have flown together in a fighter jet. General Dwivedi described the experience as one of the most memorable moments of his career, commending the IAF pilots for their exceptional skills. He also highlighted the importance of joint operations in strengthening national security.

The momentous event rekindled memories of Aero India 2019, when the late General Bipin Rawat, then Chief of the Army Staff and later India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, flew in the trainer version of the Tejas. It underscored the steady progress of India's indigenous defense aviation sector and the military’s commitment to modernizing its fleet.

Aero India 2025, running from February 10 to 14, is set to be a grand showcase of India’s advancements in aerospace and defense technology. The biennial event has grown into one of Asia’s leading defense exhibitions, drawing global attention. The Tejas sortie by the service chiefs has set the perfect tone for the event, symbolizing India’s push for self-reliance in military aviation and reinforcing confidence in homegrown defense technologies.