Assam: IAF Chief reaffirms readiness for two-front war at Vijay Diwas

Dibrugarh: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the IAF Chief, said during a media interaction at the IAF Station in Assam’s Dibrugarh on Wednesday that the Indian Air Force is fully prepared to fight a two-front war if such a situation ever arises.

The IAF chief was in Mohanbari to attend the Vijay Diwas function, which marks India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the creation of Bangladesh.

“We are fully prepared to give them (our enemy nations) a bloody nose if they attempt any kind of misadventure,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Air Force successfully commemorated its historic 1971 war victory with a spectacular aerial display at Mohanbari, as part of the Vijay Diwas Celebration 2025.

He graced the event, which showcased the formidable power and precision of the IAF’s fleet.

The day-long celebration, organised by Headquarters Eastern Air Command, attracted a large audience, including military and civil dignitaries, air veterans, and hundreds of schoolchildren.

The flying display featured some of the IAF’s most advanced aircraft, including Sukhoi Su-30 fighters, Dornier Do-228 surveillance aircraft, Antonov An-32 transport planes, and Chinook heavy-lift and Mi-17 helicopters.

The aerial demonstration, held from 9 am to 2:30 pm, highlighted the operational proficiency of the Indian Air Force.

In addition to the flying display, the event featured an exhibition and a special movie release, both dedicated to commemorating the 1971 war that culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh.

The commemoration holds profound significance for the Eastern Air Command, which conducted key air operations from bases like Mohanbari to secure air superiority and support ground troops.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh recalled the IAF’s contribution during the historic war, highlighting the importance of jointmanship.

“I’m very happy to share the memories of that time. The way the Indian Air Force stood rock solid and delivered what was expected, whether it was the day operations in November, the quick ceasefire in the air, or the final blows such as the attack on the Governor’s House in Bangladesh, which decisively brought the war to an end. In those 13 days of swift action by the Indian Armed Forces, I saw Pakistan buckle under pressure and call for a ceasefire,” he said.

He further emphasised the essential coordination between the services.

“The operation was not only a major success for the Indian Air Force but also a significant example of jointmanship. Operations such as river crossings or air drops would not have been possible without close coordination between the Army and the Air Force. The way the three services operated together in the Western Sector, with the Navy also participating, taught us a very valuable lesson: joint operations can secure victory in a major way. I’m happy to say that the Indian Air Force continues to train and equip itself based on those lessons,” he added.