Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), March 25 — Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, the UK Chief of the Air Staff, visited Air Force Station Gwalior to observe Indian Air Force fighter base operations and to deepen defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom. During his Tuesday visit he met IAF personnel and reviewed operational activities at the strategic fighter base. He was received by Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command.
The Indian Air Force said on X that the visit strengthened mutual understanding and explored ways to enhance convergence and interoperability between the two air forces, reflecting a growing defence partnership.
Earlier the same day, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan held high-level talks with Sir Harvey Smyth that reaffirmed the strengthening India-UK defence relationship. Discussions highlighted the continued exchange of instructors as a central element of bilateral cooperation and noted progress in defence intelligence collaboration. The CDS also welcomed the successful conclusion of the 17th Military Sub Group Meeting and expressed confidence in pursuing deeper, more integrated and future-ready defence engagement.
Sir Harvey Smyth began a three-day visit to India on Monday, laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and reviewing an IAF Guard of Honour. He also held discussions with Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on evolving security threats and on expanding cooperation through additional training, operational exchanges and educational partnerships.
