The Indian Air Force (IAF) commemorated its 93rd anniversary on October 8, 2025, by honoring exemplary units involved in Operation Sindoor, a decisive campaign launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh awarded six Unit Citations to squadrons, notably No. 222 Squadron, which utilized indigenous Sukhoi Su-30MKIs equipped with BrahMos missiles to inflict significant damage on Pakistan’s air bases, and No. 17 Squadron, which employed Rafale aircraft to execute precision strikes on terrorist infrastructures. The operation, characterized by swift and effective air power, successfully neutralized over 200 terrorists and degraded 40% of the Pakistan Air Force’s operational capacity, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence capabilities while adhering to a doctrine of calibrated force. Singh emphasized the importance of innovative and adaptive planning for future challenges and highlighted the successful integration of indigenous systems that bolstered the IAF’s effectiveness. This operation not only restored the significance of offensive air action in national defense but also showcased India’s commitment to utilizing home-grown technologies to achieve military objectives, thus enhancing its stature on the global stage and ensuring readiness for potential future contingencies.