Central Air Command Chief Deepens Defence Ties At Singapore Airshow 2026; Interacts With Sarang Helicopter Team
India and Singapore had in September 2025 adopted defence cooperation. Image courtesy: X.com/@IAF_MCC
Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force’s Central Air Command (CAC), held high-level engagements in Singapore during an official visit coinciding with the Singapore Airshow 2026, underlining India’s focus on strengthening air power cooperation and broader defence ties in the Indo-Pacific.
The meetings took place at the Changi Exhibition Centre, a key venue for strategic defence dialogue during the globally significant airshow.
On the sidelines of the airshow, Air Marshal Manikantan held talks with Brigadier-General Ho Kum Luen, Chief of Staff–Air Staff of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and Brigadier-General Chan Ching Hao, Chief of Staff–Joint Staff of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
According to the Indian Air Force, discussions focused on enhancing military-to-military cooperation, air force engagement and avenues for deeper operational and strategic collaboration.
Singapore Airshow 2026: What role did it play in defence engagement?
The Singapore Airshow 2026, which took place from February 7 to 8, provided a major platform for defence diplomacy, showcasing cutting-edge military and commercial aviation technologies. With aerobatic teams, advanced aircraft displays and multinational participation, the event served as a backdrop for strengthening defence partnerships and showcasing India’s growing aerospace capabilities.
During the visit, Air Marshal Manikantan interacted with the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, representing India at the airshow. The team’s participation highlighted the Indian Air Force’s operational proficiency and its commitment to defence outreach through air diplomacy.
He also met H.E. Dr. Shilpak Ambule, India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, reflecting close coordination between India’s diplomatic and military leadership during the visit.
Moreover, in a solemn ceremony, the Air Marshal laid a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial, paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Second World War. The gesture underscored India’s respect for shared wartime history and the enduring bonds between the two nations.
How does it fit into broader India–Singapore defence framework?
The visit aligns with the India–Singapore defence cooperation framework adopted in September 2025, which emphasises sustained engagement across all levels of defence interaction. The framework calls for regular Defence Ministers’ Dialogues, Defence Policy Dialogues and expanded military exchanges among the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Both countries have committed to deepening defence technology collaboration in cutting-edge domains such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, automation and unmanned systems, including unmanned vessels. The Singapore visit reinforced momentum in these future-oriented areas of military cooperation.
Worth noting here is that India views Singapore as a pivotal defence and security partner in Southeast Asia. High-level engagements like this strengthen interoperability, enhance trust and support the broader Indo-Pacific vision of a free, open and stable region.
