IAF chief flies sortie in upgraded MiG-29, reviews preparedness of a forward base in Punjab

NEW DELHI: Ten months after Operation Sindoor, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Thursday made a first visit to Adampur to review the functioning of a forward base in Punjab, reaffirming the leadership’s continued engagement with frontline operational units of the air force.

The IAF chief flew an operational formation sortie with the squadron ‘First Supersonics’ onboard a MiG-29UPG fighter jet from the airbase. The same MiG-29 UPG squadrons had played a vital role in air defence during Operation Sindoor last May.




The Adampur airbase last hit headlines when soon after the Pakistan conflict ended on May 10, PM Narendra Modi had stood at the base with the Russian S-400 air defence system and MiG 29 jets standing in the background. The forwarding base was in lead during Operation Sindoor for carrying out some of the significant air defence operations against Pakistan.

The IAF maintains three squadrons of upgraded MiG-29s — MiG-29 UPGs — primarily deployed in the western and northern sectors. ACM Singh undertook a 45-minute sortie in the fighter jet. The formation was led by Flight Lieutenant Parvinder Singh. Prior to recovery, the formation executed a smart peel-off manoeuvre over the runway, showcasing precision flying and the high standards of operational training maintained by the squadron.

During the visit, IAF chief was briefed by the commanding officer on the squadron’s operational role, the enhanced capabilities of the MiG-29 UPG platform, and the unit’s rich legacy. The squadron is set to complete 63 years since its induction in 1963, reflecting a long and distinguished history of service in safeguarding the nation’s skies.

The IAF chief also interacted with aircrew, technicians and ground personnel, acknowledging the critical role played by technical and support staff in ensuring sustained operational readiness of combat platforms. “He acknowledged the critical role played by technical and support staff in ensuring sustained operational readiness of combat platforms,” IAF officials said.

The aircraft, upgraded in collaboration with Russia under a 2008 contract, features advanced radar, extended range through additional fuel tanks and modern avionics. The upgrade was completed around 2022, boosting air power capabilities of the IAF.