Exercise Tarang Shakti Highlights IAF’s 94-Year Journey

Exercise Tarang Shakti featured prominently at the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies seminar in Delhi, where Air Chief Marshal AP Singh reflected on the Indian Air Force’s 94-year journey and its evolution into one of the major air forces in the world.

Speaking at the seminar, the Air Chief said the event held particular significance because it was being organised while Exercise Tarang Shakti was underway and formed part of the larger exercise.

CAPSS Seminar Linked to Exercise Tarang Shakti

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the seminar had added importance because of its direct connection with Exercise Tarang Shakti.

He said:

“This event becomes very important. Sitting here while Exercise Tarang Shakti is going on, and this seminar is a part of Exercise Tarang Shakti.”

The seminar brought together discussions around aerospace power, strategic thinking and the Indian Air Force’s role in an evolving security environment.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) Seminar, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh says, "... this event becomes very important. Sitting here while Exercise Tarang Shakti is going on, and this seminar is a part of Exercise Tarang Shakti. Also, we just completed our 94 years as the Indian Air Force yesterday, and we celebrated our 94th anniversary. So this is a very important event for us as the Air Force that started with just four Vapitri aircraft in 1932 and today is considered one of the major Air Forces in the world."

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2026

IAF Marks 94 Years

The Air Chief also referred to the Indian Air Force’s 94th anniversary, which had been celebrated a day earlier.

He said:

“We just completed our 94 years as the Indian Air Force yesterday, and we celebrated our 94th anniversary.”

The milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the transformation of the force since its establishment in 1932.

From Four Aircraft to a Major Global Air Force

AP Singh highlighted the scale of the IAF’s growth over the decades.

He noted that the force had begun with just four aircraft in 1932 and had since developed into one of the world’s major air forces.

He said:

“The Air Force that started with just four aircraft in 1932 and today is considered one of the major Air Forces in the world.”

Strategic Importance of Aerospace Power

The Exercise Tarang Shakti seminar also underlined the growing importance of aerospace power and strategic preparedness.

The Air Chief’s remarks placed the exercise and the CAPSS seminar within the broader context of the IAF’s institutional growth, operational experience and expanding role in national security.

IAF Reflects on Legacy and Future

The combination of the IAF’s 94th anniversary and Exercise Tarang Shakti made the seminar an important platform for reviewing the force’s journey while looking ahead to future challenges.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s remarks highlighted both the historical evolution of the Indian Air Force and its present-day position as a major component of India’s defence capabilities.