Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh joins Kiran flypast, surprises audience at Air Force Academy

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Chief of Indian Air Force Air Marshal A.P. Singh during the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy near Hyderabad on June 13, 2026. | Photo Credit: Siddharth Kumar Singh

As hundreds of newly commissioned officers marched in perfect synchronisation and dignitaries watched the proceedings at the Air Force Academy (AFA) on a cloudy Saturday morning (June 13, 2026), Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh provided an unexpected highlight to the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) by taking part in a three-aircraft Kiran formation flypast above the parade ground.

The distinctive roar of jet engines drew the attention of those gathered towards the skies as the three Kiran trainer aircraft appeared overhead on Saturday morning (June 13, 2026). To the surprise of many on the ground, one of the aircraft in the formation was being flown by the Air Chief.

The surprise appearance reflected the Air Chief’s enduring connection with flying, despite holding the highest office in the Indian Air Force. Even at 61, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh continues to take to the skies, underlining his identity not only as the head of the service but also as an aviator.

In 2025, he piloted a Rafale fighter aircraft as part of a two-aircraft formation during the historic sortie undertaken by President Droupadi Murmu. Earlier this year, in March, he flew a solo sortie in a MiG-29 UPG fighter aircraft.

A Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has accumulated extensive experience over a distinguished career spanning several decades.