India’s Theaterisation Reform: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s Vision for an India-Specific Model

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, outlined the Indian Air Force’s stance on the long-standing theaterisation reform. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Singh emphasized that the restructuring should be built around India’s unique security requirements rather than copying foreign models. Singh also warned against attempting to predict future battlefields with “excessive certainty.”

'Need India-Specific Model': Air Force Chief On His Theaterisation Vision

The theaterisation plan was announced in 2019 as India’s most ambitious post-Independence military reform. Its purpose is to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force into three joint theatre commands:

'Need India-Specific Model': Air Force Chief On His Theaterisation Vision

• Northern Theatre Command – headquartered in Lucknow, focused on the China frontier.

'Need India-Specific Model': Air Force Chief On His Theaterisation Vision

• Western Theatre Command – headquartered in Jaipur, aimed at challenges from Pakistan.

'Need India-Specific Model': Air Force Chief On His Theaterisation Vision

• Maritime Theatre Command – headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, covering the Indian Ocean region.

'Need India-Specific Model': Air Force Chief On His Theaterisation Vision

The proposal was initially drafted by former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan (retd.) and submitted to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Current Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani is reported to be reviewing key aspects of the overall plan.

'Need India-Specific Model': Air Force Chief On His Theaterisation Vision

• Singh reiterated that air power’s core strengths—speed, reach, flexibility, and rapid concentration of combat power—must be leveraged within an integrated structure. He cited aerial refuelling, long-range weapons, networked sensors and appropriate basing as enablers for massing air assets across sectors as threats evolve.

'Need India-Specific Model': Air Force Chief On His Theaterisation Vision

• Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh highlighted that a joint architecture, established by the Chief of Defence Staff and the three service chiefs, enabled centralised allocation and swift reallocation of critical resources, which he described as decisive for the operation’s outcome.

Theaterisation should be based on India's needs, not foreign models: IAF chief

While the theaterisation proposal was formally submitted to the defence ministry, it is not publicly known whether the ministry is proceeding in line with General Chauhan’s report. Sources indicate that the plan’s advancement remains uncertain, with the current Chief of Defence Staff focusing on specific aspects but no definitive confirmation of implementation timelines.

'Need India-Specific Model': Air Force Chief On His Theaterisation Vision

If fully realised, the joint theatre commands would enable India to coordinate land, sea and air operations more tightly, potentially enhancing response speed to regional contingencies involving China, Pakistan and maritime challenges. The emphasis on centralised control paired with decentralised execution aims to retain the Air Force’s agility while ensuring resources are allocated where most needed. Successful integration could also serve as a model for other nations seeking to align military structures with their distinct strategic environments.

Theaterisation should be based on India's needs, not foreign models: IAF chief

The defence establishment is expected to continue reviewing the theaterisation framework, with further assessments likely to address the IAF’s concerns about fighter asset allocation and phased implementation. No specific future dates have been disclosed.

Theaterisation should be based on India's needs, not foreign models: IAF chief