✈️ Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Honors IAF Legacy with Vintage 1967 Ford Salon at Air Force Day 2025
In a striking symbol of legacy and pride, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force, marked the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad, in a truly unique fashion.
The IAF Chief arrived in a vintage 1967 Ford Salon car, a vehicle steeped in history and nostalgia, reflecting the proud heritage of the Indian Air Force and its enduring traditions.
🚗 A Glimpse into History: The 1967 Ford Salon
The cream-coloured 1967 Ford Salon is no ordinary vehicle — it’s a symbol of continuity and legacy in the Indian Air Force.
Powered by a 390 V8 engine, the classic car produces 315 Brake Horsepower at 4600 RPM, embodying both power and elegance.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Make | Ford |
| Model | 1967 Ford Salon |
| Engine Type | 390 V8 |
| Horsepower | 315 BHP @ 4600 RPM |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Color | Cream |
| First Inducted | 1969 |
| First Used By | Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal |
🏛️ Carrying the Legacy of IAF Chiefs
Since its induction in 1969, this iconic Ford has been used by multiple Air Chiefs, including Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal, who famously led the IAF during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
The car served as the official vehicle for several Chiefs between 1969 and 1992, before being inducted into the Air Force Museum, Palam, New Delhi, by ACM Nirmal Chandra Suri.
Today, by arriving in this historic automobile, ACM A.P. Singh honored the generations of Air Warriors who laid the foundation for the modern IAF.
🪖 Air Force Day 2025: A Celebration of Strength, Heritage, and Innovation
The 93rd Air Force Day was not just about aerial displays — it was a celebration of India’s military progress and technological evolution.
During his address, Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing how indigenously developed weapons are shaping India’s defense future.
“The outstanding performance of indigenously developed and integrated weapons which delivered precise and devastating blows deep inside enemy territory vindicates our faith in home-grown capabilities,” said ACM A.P. Singh.
He lauded the efforts of the Air Warriors who, through meticulous planning, disciplined training, and determined execution, ensured the success of recent operations.
🛩️ The Heritage Flight: Keeping the Past Alive
Another major highlight of the Air Force Day celebrations was the Heritage Flight (erstwhile Vintage Aircraft Flight) — a fleet that keeps alive the glorious aviation history of the IAF.
Originally formed in 1982 at Air Force Station Palam, the flight included legendary aircraft like the Spitfire, Harvard, and Tiger Moth.
After a brief hiatus, it was reactivated in 2012 at Hindon Air Base and now includes:
- 🐯 Tiger Moth
- 🎓 Harvard
- ✈️ Dakota
- 🧭 HT-2
Each year, the Heritage Flight performs aerial demonstrations during Air Force Day, captivating audiences and reminding them of India’s rich aviation history.
🧭 Operation Sindoor: Symbol of India’s Defence Evolution
ACM Singh’s speech also focused on Operation Sindoor, highlighting how precision, training, and indigenous technology played a decisive role.
| Operation | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Name | Operation Sindoor |
| Focus | Precision Air Strikes & Indigenous Weapon Use |
| Objective | Showcase homegrown defence strength |
| Key Feature | Accurate, low-collateral, long-range operations |
| Outcome | Reaffirmed confidence in India’s defence ecosystem |
He stated that the operation demonstrates how modern warfare demands technological excellence combined with human skill — both areas where India is making remarkable progress.
🧓 Remembering Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal: The First User of the 1967 Ford Salon
The vintage Ford’s first user, Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal, holds a distinguished place in Indian military history.
He joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1939, served during World War II, and later became the 7th Chief of Air Staff (1969–1973).
He played a decisive leadership role in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, overseeing air operations that contributed to India’s victory and the liberation of Bangladesh.
After retiring from the Air Force, ACM Lal became the Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
His exemplary service earned him numerous honors, including:
- 🏅 Padma Bhushan
- 🏅 Padma Vibhushan
- 🏅 Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
🕰️ Timeline of the Vintage Car’s Journey
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1967 | Ford Salon manufactured |
| 1969 | Inducted into IAF as official car for the Chief |
| 1969–1992 | Used by several Air Chiefs |
| 1992 | Retired from service and presented to IAF Museum, Palam |
| 2025 | Revived for Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh’s arrival at Air Force Day |
🎖️ Heritage Meets Modernity
The appearance of the 1967 Ford Salon alongside modern fighter jets like the Rafale, Tejas, and Su-30MKI created a symbolic bridge between India’s past glory and present power.
The Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon showcased not just the might of the skies but also the unbroken thread of tradition, pride, and innovation that defines the Indian Air Force.
🧾 Key Takeaways
- Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh arrived in the vintage 1967 Ford Salon at Hindon Air Base for Air Force Day 2025.
- The car was first used by ACM P.C. Lal during the 1971 India-Pak War.
- The IAF showcased its Heritage Flight featuring classic aircraft.
- ACM Singh emphasized the success of Operation Sindoor and India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
- The celebration bridged India’s rich aviation heritage with its modern defence achievements.
✈️ Conclusion
The 93rd Air Force Day was not just an annual celebration — it was a statement.
A statement that India’s Air Force continues to soar higher, grounded firmly in its glorious past and propelled by its technological future.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh’s symbolic choice to arrive in a 1967 Ford Salon reminds the nation that while technology evolves, the spirit of service and legacy remains timeless.
