Airborne bonhomie: IAF, Army chiefs take sortie together in LCA Tejas fighter jet; see pics

Air chief marshal A P Singh and Army chief general Upendra Dwivedi flew together in the LCA Tejas at Yelahanka Air Force Station. This marked the first time both chiefs of the armed forces flew together in the indigenous aircraft. (Picture credit: PTI)

The two military leaders flew for around 45 minutes in the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas, with Air chief marshal Singh piloting the aircraft and General Dwivedi serving as the co-pilot, showcasing the capability of India's indigenously developed aircraft. (Picture credit: PTI)

The flight of the two military leaders was seen as a demonstration of unity and robust preparedness, highlighting the joint strength of India’s armed forces and their readiness to face any challenges during Aero India-2025. (Picture credit: PTI)

General Dwivedi described the flight as the best moment of his life. "It was the best moment in my life and as you are aware that the Air Chief Marshal is my course mate. We have been together from the NDA (National Defence Academy) days. I wish he had met me earlier and I would definitely have changed my option to the Air Force. As I have said earlier, also if I had gone to the Air Force, I would have been fighter pilot," General Dwivedi told reporters. (Picture credit: PTI)

Stating that he enjoyed the sortie as it carried a great challenge, the Army Chief said, "I am very much grateful to the IAF and I must admire the kind of a challenge the pilots of the IAF take and it takes a great synergetic approach from all of us and I am sure that it is a good start for the Aero India-2025." "And I must say that from today onwards, the Air Chief Marshal AP Singh is my guru because he made me do lot of roles and other activities while in the sky," he added. (Picture credit: PTI)

LCA Tejas is an Indian combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy. (Picture credit: PTI)

This comes a day ahead of the Aero India Show in Bengaluru, which kicks off on February 10 and concludes on February 14. The event will showcase the latest advancements in aerospace and defense, with fighter jets already conducting rehearsal flights ahead of the exhibition. (Picture credit: PTI)

The United States is a key participant in Aero India 2025, with over two dozen American exhibitors attending. The event emphasizes growing defense and aerospace cooperation between India and the US, with showcases of cutting-edge military technologies. (Picture credit: PTI)