Air Chief Marshal Singh urges phased, India-specific theatreisation, rejects permanent fighter split

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh outlined the Indian Air Force’s stance on the stalled theatreisation reform, emphasizing a phased rollout tailored to India’s strategic context. He described the core principle as centralised command where necessary and decentralised action where appropriate, citing the successful joint asset allocation during Operation Sindoor. Singh rejected a permanent geographic split of fighter squadrons, arguing that modern air power’s speed, range and refuelling capabilities enable rapid concentration across sectors.

He warned against trying to predict the future battlefield with excessive certainty, noting that upcoming conflicts will be faster, more autonomous and highly network-dependent. The chief affirmed the IAF’s commitment to deeper jointness with the Army and Navy and said the plan will be shaped in coordination with the Chief of Defence Staff and the defence ministry.