India’s air force is focusing on extended-range capabilities for Indo-Pacific operations while monitoring developments across the region, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on October 25, 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • Singh said India needs surveillance, air mobility and networked command capabilities to operate over long distances.
  • He cited deployments to Australia, Malaysia and Thailand as experience in extended-range and maritime operations.

Capabilities for Indo-Pacific operations

Singh identified persistent surveillance, air-domain awareness, air mobility and networked command and control among the capabilities needed to safeguard India’s interests. He described the approach as not threat-specific.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide a base for operations in the eastern Indian Ocean, he said. Aerial refuelling and airborne early warning also help aircraft operate farther from India’s shores.

Exercises with regional air forces

Singh said increasingly complex exercises and operational engagements with friendly air forces are intended to strengthen interoperability. He pointed to recent deployments to Australia, Malaysia and Thailand as opportunities to gain experience in extended-range and maritime air operations.

In February 2026, Indian Su-30MKI fighters operating from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands conducted an exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force over the Indian Ocean. Singh said IL-78 tankers and airborne warning and control aircraft supported the exercise.

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