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Indian Air Force Chief Bolsters Ties with Singapore at Airshow 2026

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan held key talks with senior Singapore Armed Forces officials on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 2026. The visit included an interaction with India's High Commissioner and the participating Sarang Helicopter Display Team. In a solemn act, the Air Marshal paid respects at the Kranji War Memorial for fallen WWII soldiers. The engagement reinforces the ongoing defence partnership, which includes exercises and cooperation in emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.

Key Points: India-Singapore Defence Talks at Singapore Airshow 2026

  • High-level military talks at Airshow
  • Wreath laid at Kranji War Memorial
  • Sarang team participation highlighted
  • Defence tech cooperation advanced
2 min read

Air Marshal holds talks with Singapore Armed forces officials in visit to Singapore Airshow 26

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan meets Singapore Armed Forces officials, honors war heroes, and advances bilateral defence cooperation.

"Deepen defence technology cooperation in emerging areas such as Quantum Computing, AI, Automation and Unmanned Vessels. - Joint Statement"

New Delhi, February 7

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, AOC-in-C, CAC, on Saturday held talks with Brigadier-General Ho Kum Luen, Chief of Staff-Air Staff, Republic of Singapore Air Force, and BG Chan Ching Hao, Chief of Staff-Joint Staff, Singapore Armed Forces, at Changi Exhibition Centre on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 26.

In a post on X, the Indian Air Force stated, "On an official visit to Singapore, Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, AOC-in-C, CAC met Brigadier-General (BG) Ho Kum Luen, Chief of Staff- Air Staff, Republic of Singapore Air Force and BG Chan Ching Hao Chief of Staff - Joint Staff, Singapore Armed Forces at Changi Exhibition Centre on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 26. During the visit, he interacted with H.E. Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team that is participating in the Airshow. In a solemn ceremony he laid a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial, to honour the fallen soldiers of WW 2."

The show is to be held from February 7 to 8, with aerobatic flying teams as they take to the skies with adrenaline-pumping stunts and manoeuvres with speed and precision. With the latest commercial and military aircraft on display, the mascots will be Leo and Leonette, and there will be a vibrant line-up of activities designed for the whole family.

India and Singapore, in a joint statement on September 4, 2025, adopted defence cooperation.

Encourage continued exchanges and engagement on defence and security cooperation at all levels, including regular meetings between the two Defence Ministers through the Defence Ministers' Dialogue and between senior Defence ministry officials through the Defence Policy Dialogue; * Continue military cooperation and exchanges through the joint conduct of army, naval, and air force exercises in various formats, it said.

Deepen defence technology cooperation in emerging areas such as Quantum Computing, AI, Automation and Unmanned Vessels.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The wreath-laying at the Kranji War Memorial is a respectful and important gesture. It shows we remember our shared history and sacrifices. Good to see the focus on future tech cooperation too - AI and Quantum are the way forward.
A
Aditya G
Strong ties with Singapore are crucial for maritime security in the region. Hope these talks lead to more joint exercises and technology transfer. Our defence forces need the best equipment.
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Priyanka N
While high-level visits are good, I hope the focus on 'emerging areas' translates into real projects and not just more MoUs. We've seen many agreements in the past with slow implementation. Action matters more than statements.
R
Rohit P
The Singapore Airshow is a major global event. Our presence there, from the Sarang display to the Air Marshal's talks, projects India as a serious defence player. Good for 'Make in India' visibility too!
K
Kavya N
Singapore is a strategic partner. Deepening defence tech cooperation, especially in AI and unmanned systems, is a smart move for both nations. Keeps us ahead of the curve. 👍

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