Not opposed to new structure: IAF Chief on theaterisation move

Any decision to create a new structure to deepen synergy between the three armed forces will be taken in the national interest, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Tuesday said, adding that deliberations on the proposal are underway. He was referring to the proposed creation of “theatre commands” — also called “theaterisation” in military jargon.

Singh said he supported a joint structure that could include the three services, paramilitary forces and certain civilian entities to handle issues such as the use of drones. He denied that the IAF is opposed to the initiative but urged that reforms be taken forward only after careful discussion and analysis.

“I am not saying that we do not need another structure. We may need another joint structure. But my way of looking at it is, let’s not go by some structures that exist somewhere else and say this will fit us,” he told the India Defence Conclave hosted by a media house.

Asked whether the IAF opposed theatre commands, especially after Operation Sindoor, Singh said the focus should be on assessing current capabilities and performance: “Let’s look at what we have today — where did we falter, or did we falter. If we did not, then what did we do good. Let’s make it a more formalised way.”

Drones cannot win wars: IAF Chief

Drones cannot actually win you wars. They can aid, they can create confusion. If you want to finally hit a place, decimate a place deep inside enemy territory, you need weapons that will carry a punch. A drone cannot do that as of now. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

Two months earlier at the Army War College, Mhow, the IAF Chief had argued for a joint planning and coordination centre in New Delhi: “We plan centrally and execution of tasks is de-centralised,” he said. At Tuesday’s event he described Operation Sindoor as a reflection of tri-services synergy, with all three services operating as a team.

Singh expressed confidence that any reform would follow a “nation comes first” approach. “Whatever decision is finally taken will be for the good of the nation,” he said.

Theatre commands involve creating geographically defined areas of operation under a single military commander who controls all war-fighting assets — aircraft, helicopters, guns, tanks, equipment and manpower — to integrate Army, Navy and Air Force capabilities. At present, the three services operate separate commands.

Also speaking at the conclave, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi said semiconductors can be as decisive as submarines, and secure data links matter as much as secure sea lanes.