‘Not Against Theaterisation’: IAF Chief Urges Gradual Transition To Avoid Disruption

Last Updated:August 22, 2026, 9:31 PM IST

The Air Chief cautioned against rushing the process or adopting foreign frameworks without scrutiny.

File photo of Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh (PTI photo)

Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, has stated the IAF supports the creation of theatre commands but wants a step-by-step transition to avoid disrupting ongoing operations. He rejected the adoption of imported military structures and called for an objective review of India’s specific security needs. Air Chief said that the Indian Air Force is not against theaterisation.

Addressing a gathering at the AVM Harjinder Singh memorial lecture, ACM Singh clarified the Air Force’s position on military integration. He said the focus must remain on identifying actual structural shortcomings instead of implementing generic solutions. The Air Chief cautioned against rushing the process or adopting foreign frameworks without scrutiny.

“What the Air Force has been insisting is that let us look at it objectively,” he said. “Let us look at what is it that is ailing us. Humko kya cheez hai jo sahi nahi hai, usko theek karna hai (We need to fix what is not right with us). And not something that is pre-baked, picked up from somewhere and used.”

He highlighted that a phased rollout is necessary to ensure minimal disruption. The military cannot afford abrupt changes to the system while its operational tempo remains high.

These remarks come as the armed forces accelerate their theaterisation plans. Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan submitted a proposal on the subject before retiring on May 31. The current CDS is actively reviewing the framework to give it a final shape with all the stakeholders. The current status is not known officially.

The earlier reported proposal had envisaged three commands: one each for Pakistan and China, and a third for the maritime domain. The distribution of assets was a key aspect of the process, with a major question being who would control the strategic assets. Currently, each service has a dedicated team working on the issue. Discussions are underway at various levels before the final structure is implemented.

Key Questions Answered

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How will theater commands impact military operations?

Integrated theatre commands would fundamentally change how the Army, Navy, and Air Force plan and conduct military operations together, aiming to improve joint operations and coordination among the services. This restructuring would unify military formations, placing all assets and personnel from the three services within a particular region under one operational commander. The Indian Air Force supports this integration but advocates for a gradual transition to avoid disrupting ongoing operations.

Will the new structure improve India’s defense capabilities?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) supports the creation of theatre commands, which are intended to improve India’s defence capabilities by unifying the Army, Navy, and Air Force under single operational leadership. However, the IAF Chief has urged a gradual transition to avoid disrupting ongoing operations and cautioned against rushing the process or adopting foreign frameworks without scrutiny.

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About the Author

Akash Sharma

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien…Read More

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