Archive · 23 Aug 2026
IAF Chief Supports Theaterisation, Warns Against Copying Foreign Models
India is considering changing how its military forces work together.
This plan is often called theaterisation.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the Air Force is not against the idea.
He said India should first understand what problems need fixing.
He warned that India should not simply copy another country’s military structure.
Instead, India should design a system suited to its own needs.
He also said the changes should happen step by step to avoid major disruption.
The proposed reforms could bring the Army, Navy and Air Force closer together during operations.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the Indian Air Force is not opposed to theaterisation.
Singh urged an objective review of military reforms to identify and fix existing problems.
He cautioned India against copying another country’s organisational structure or command model.
The air chief called for a needs-based structure introduced gradually to minimise disruption.
Studies are considering Integrated Theatre Commands and Integrated Battle Groups to improve joint operations.
- Who
- Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Indian Air Force, and officials studying military restructuring.
- What
- India is examining theaterisation, including Integrated Theatre Commands and Integrated Battle Groups, while the IAF advocates an objective, India-specific approach.
- When
- The issue is currently under discussion; studies are underway, while Operation Sindoor was described as still active.
- Where
- In India, with studies being conducted at the Service Headquarters level.
- Why
- To modernise the Armed Forces, improve joint operational preparedness, and address military problems without unnecessarily disrupting the system.
IAF’s Cautious, India-Specific Approach
Integrated-Command Reform Approach
How to design the structure
IAF’s Cautious, India-Specific Approach
The IAF says India should objectively identify its own problems and create a structure suited to its requirements, rather than copy another country.
Integrated-Command Reform Approach
Proponents of Integrated Theatre Commands favour restructuring Army, Navy and Air Force capabilities around geographic and functional responsibilities to improve synergy.
Pace of implementation
IAF’s Cautious, India-Specific Approach
AP Singh called for a stepwise process that minimises disruption, particularly while Operation Sindoor remains active.
Integrated-Command Reform Approach
The reform approach seeks organisational integration and separation of operational responsibilities from administrative raise-train-sustain functions so commanders can focus on security and operations.
- IAF position
- The Indian Air Force is not against theaterisation, contrary to how some media coverage has portrayed its position.
- Air chief
- Air Chief Marshal AP Singh called for an objective examination of the proposed reforms.
- Structural principle
- India should develop an organisation chart suited to its own requirements rather than copy a foreign model.
- Implementation
- Singh advocated a stepwise process aimed at minimising disruption.
- Reforms under study
- Integrated Theatre Commands and Integrated Battle Groups are being considered.
- Operational focus
- Studies cover land borders, maritime operations, and joint or integrated air defence.
- Former CDS view
- Gen Anil Chauhan said jointness and integration are essential for Integrated Theatre Commands.