By A Correspondent

New Delhi: Any decision on restructuring India’s armed forces for greater tri-services synergy will be guided by national interest, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said on November 4, 2025, confirming that deliberations on the long-pending theaterisation plan are actively underway.

Speaking at the India Defence Conclave organised by Bharat Shakti, Air Chief Marshal Singh said India needs a joint command model tailored to its own strategic realities rather than replicating foreign systems.

“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 stated.

The Air Force chief dismissed perceptions that the IAF was opposed to the creation of integrated theatre commands, clarifying that the service only sought a well-considered approach.

“Let’s look at what we have today, where we falter, or did we falter. If we did not, then what did we do good? Let’s make it a more formalised way,” Singh said.

India’s Military Theaterisation Plan

Theaterisation aims to bring the Army, Navy, and Air Force under unified commands for enhanced jointness and operational efficiency.

Each theatre command would be responsible for a specific geographical area, integrating assets from all three services under one commander. Currently, the three services operate their own separate command structures.

Operation Sindoor was True Jointness

Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasised that recent Operation Sindoor demonstrated true jointness, where the three services worked in close coordination.

“Maybe this time it was our personal equation with each other that worked. Tomorrow, it may not be so. A formalised structure will help us,” he said, suggesting that institutional mechanisms should replace ad hoc coordination.

He confirmed that discussions are ongoing on the pace and design of the reforms. “Should I go step-by-step or full bore in one go? This is under discussion. Whatever decision is taken will be for the good of the nation,” Singh asserted.

Integrated Defence Staff Role Being Reworked: CDS

In a separate session at the conclave, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who is leading the theaterisation process, said that lessons from Operation Sindoor would shape the upcoming command structures.

He also highlighted the need to rework the role of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) to strengthen higher defence management and coordination with the political leadership.

Drones Cannot Win Wars: Air Chief

The Air Chief further called for a joint operational framework involving the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and civilian agencies to address the growing challenges from drone warfare.

“Events like this make you realise that what saved us the day was air power. When I talk about air power, I am not talking about just the Air Force; it is the medium of air we are talking about,” he said.

Commenting on the evolving nature of warfare, Singh noted that while drones are valuable for intelligence and disruption, they cannot win wars.

“Drones can create confusion or aid operations, but if you want to decimate a target deep inside enemy territory, you need weapons that carry a punch. A drone cannot do that as of now,” he said, adding that manned aircraft will continue to dominate combat operations in the foreseeable future.

Partnerships Can Help In Defence Manufacturing

On self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Singh said India is on the right track but must accelerate progress. “We need to pace up a little more; policies and regulations are being aligned to give traction. We cannot do everything alone; partnerships will help us develop technologies where we are lacking,” he said.

He concluded that Operation Sindoor underscored the importance of clear objectives in warfare. “India achieved its goals on Day 1, but Pakistan wanted to do more. When they came back seeking to end it, we agreed that was the right decision,” Singh said.

NOTE: Follow Defence.Capital on Arattai.
NOTE: Follow Defence.Capital on Telegram.
NOTE: Follow Defence.Capital on WhatsApp.