Indian Air Force Delegation Meets Singapore Air Force Chief

An Indian Air Force delegation led by Air Vice Marshal Pradeep Arun Shah visits Singapore for strategic discussions on defence policy and bilateral security cooperation.

Indian Air Force Delegation Meets Singapore Air Force Chief to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

By News National Editorial Team

An Indian Air Force delegation led by Air Vice Marshal Pradeep Arun Shah, Commandant of the College of Aerospace Warfare (CAW), has met Major-General Kelvin Fan, Chief of the Air Force of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), during a strategic study tour to Singapore.

The visit focused on strengthening professional engagement between the Indian and Singaporean air forces and enhancing understanding of defence policy and bilateral security cooperation.

The delegation comprises participants of the Higher Air Command Course, a professional military programme designed to develop senior officers’ strategic thinking, leadership and understanding of contemporary security challenges.

Discussions on Defence Policy and Security Cooperation

During the visit, the Indian delegation received a briefing from Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on the country’s defence policy and its defence and security cooperation with India.

The briefing provided an opportunity to understand Singapore’s strategic outlook, defence priorities and approach to regional security. Such exchanges also help military professionals examine how countries respond to evolving geopolitical developments and emerging security challenges.

The meeting with Major-General Kelvin Fan provided an additional opportunity for professional interaction between senior representatives of the two air forces.

Strengthening India–Singapore Defence Relations

India and Singapore maintain longstanding defence ties supported by military training, professional exchanges, exercises and institutional cooperation. Their engagement extends across multiple services and contributes to mutual understanding in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Air force interactions are particularly relevant as modern military operations increasingly involve advanced aviation technologies, integrated planning, information sharing and coordination across different operational domains.

Strategic study tours allow officers to learn from partner countries’ defence institutions, assess different approaches to security and develop perspectives that can inform their future leadership responsibilities.

Focus on Strategic Leadership

The Higher Air Command Course prepares officers for higher-level command and staff responsibilities. International study visits form a valuable part of professional military education by exposing participants to other countries’ strategic environments, defence policies and institutional practices.

The Singapore visit therefore represents an opportunity for the participating officers to broaden their understanding of regional security and international defence cooperation.

The engagement between the College of Aerospace Warfare delegation and Singapore’s defence leadership underscores the importance of sustained military dialogue as India and Singapore continue to deepen their strategic partnership.

Sources

1. Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) — confirms Major-General Kelvin Fan is the Chief of Air Force of the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
Read the official biography

2. High Commission of India in Singapore — confirms the broader defence relationship, military exchanges and cooperation between India and Singapore.
Visit the official High Commission website

3. Singapore MINDEF — official report on joint military training between the Indian Air Force and Singapore Air Force, including professional exchanges and defence cooperation.
Read the official defence release

4. The New Indian Express — reports on the 49th Higher Air Command Course at the College of Air Warfare in April 2026.
Read the report