The head of the Royal Air Force has visited a key Indian Air Force fighter base as part of a three-day trip aimed at strengthening defence ties. The visit underscores growing operational cooperation and strategic engagement between the United Kingdom and India…reports Asian Lite News
The Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, has visited Air Force Station Gwalior in central India, gaining what officials described as “first-hand insight” into Indian Air Force fighter base operations. The visit forms part of a broader three-day trip to India focused on strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit to the strategically important base on Tuesday, Sir Harv Smyth interacted with Indian Air Force personnel and observed the station’s operational aspects. Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, received him.
In a post on X, the Indian Air Force said, “Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, RAF (UK), visited Air Force Station Gwalior on 24 Mar 2026, gaining first-hand insight into IAF fighter base operations and interacting with air warriors. Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, received him.”
According to the Indian Air Force, the visit “reinforced mutual understanding and explored avenues for enhanced convergence and interoperability between the two Air Forces.” The engagement is seen as part of wider efforts by both countries to deepen military collaboration, particularly in the air domain.
Earlier the same day, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, held a high-level meeting with Sir Harv Smyth. The talks focused on advancing bilateral defence ties and reviewing ongoing areas of cooperation. Discussions highlighted the continued exchange of instructors as a key pillar of collaboration, alongside progress in defence intelligence sharing.
General Chauhan also commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military Sub Group Meeting, expressing confidence in further strengthening what officials described as a more integrated and future-ready defence partnership.
Sir Harv Smyth’s visit began on Monday with a ceremonial programme in New Delhi. He paid homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial and reviewed a Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Air Force. He also held talks with India’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
Those discussions centred on evolving security challenges and ways to expand cooperation between the two air forces. Both sides are continuing to build on existing collaboration through joint training programmes and educational exchanges, reflecting a shared interest in enhancing operational capability and coordination.
The British High Commission in India said the visit highlights the deepening defence relationship between the United Kingdom and India, particularly through expanded training, operational exchanges and strategic engagement.
The visit to Gwalior, one of the Indian Air Force’s key fighter bases, is seen as a practical demonstration of this growing partnership, with a focus on improving interoperability and understanding between the two air forces.
