Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, in his keynote address at the 16th Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Memorial Lecture on August 9, 2025, in Bengaluru, confirmed the resounding success of Operation Sindoor. Launched on May 7, 2025, as a precise retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, effectively neutralizing six Pakistani aircraft, including five fighter jets and one large surveillance aircraft, deep within enemy territory—marking India’s largest-ever recorded surface-to-air kill. Singh emphasized the operation’s strategic clarity, flawless execution with minimal collateral damage, and the paramount role of synchronized military and political leadership granting full operational freedom. He highlighted precision strikes on critical targets such as the Sargodha airbase and Jaish-e-Mohammed’s headquarters, supported by cutting-edge technology like the S-400 missile defense system. The operation eliminated over 100 terrorists and exposed gaps in Pakistan’s air defenses. Singh also stressed the broader global significance by pointing out the need to focus not only on war avoidance but also on responsible conflict termination. The event honored the legacy of Air Chief Marshal LM Katre and underscored future priorities like indigenization, R&D, and enhanced jointness for India’s defense readiness.