Kanpur, India – Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh affirmed on Saturday that the Indian Air Force (IAF) does not oppose the concept of theaterisation. However, he strongly emphasized that any restructuring of the armed forces must be meticulously tailored to India's unique operational requirements and implemented through a careful, staged approach.
Speaking at a memorial lecture held at an Air Force Station in Kanpur, the IAF chief acknowledged the extensive ongoing discussions surrounding theaterisation. He stressed the critical need for a thorough and objective assessment before proceeding with such significant reforms.
IAF Chief Addresses Theaterisation Concerns
“A lot is being talked about theaterisation these days,” Singh stated, addressing media portrayals. “I can assure my own people here that the air force is not against theaterisation, the way media puts across.” He clarified the IAF's position, insisting on an objective examination of proposed changes to identify and resolve existing issues within the system.
Singh cautioned against the simple adoption of military structures from other nations, highlighting that different countries possess distinct defense needs. “We need to form a structure. We need to form an organisation chart in a manner that we need and not anybody else's,” he asserted, advocating for an indigenous model that truly serves India's strategic imperatives.
Tailoring Reforms for India
The Air Chief Marshal reiterated the importance of a measured, stepwise implementation of reforms to ensure minimal disruption to the existing system. This cautious approach is particularly vital given ongoing operations, such as “Operation Sindoor,” which Singh noted is still active.
Efforts to modernize India's Armed Forces include the proposed establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) and Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs). These initiatives aim to consolidate the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, organizing them based on geographical and functional areas to enhance operational readiness and synergy.
Understanding Integrated Theatre Commands
Studies are actively underway at Service Headquarters to explore the formation of Theatre Commands for various domains, including land borders, maritime operations, and joint/integrated air defense. The goal is to improve coordination and combat effectiveness across all branches of the military.
Former Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan had previously underscored that jointness and integration are fundamental to the success of ITCs. Such a command structure is designed to separate operational responsibilities from administrative functions like raising, training, and sustaining forces, thereby enabling commanders to concentrate solely on security and mission execution.