Story perspectives

IAF Chief Says Indo-Pacific Capability Boost Underway

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 4:38 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Theatre Based Command

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh told PTI on Oct. 25 2026 that the Indian Air Force is monitoring Indo-Pacific developments and enhancing capabilities.
The IAF is adopting a theatre-based command structure with centralised control and decentralised execution to meet security needs.
Operation Sindoor, launched May 2025, involved precision strikes across a 1,200-km front in Pakistan-occupied territories.
Singh said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands enable extended-range missions with aerial refuelling and early-warning.

Left

Zero Collateral Damage

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh told PTI on Oct 25 2026 the Indian Air Force is enhancing capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
The expansion must bolster stability and safeguard civilians, Singh said, citing Operation Sindoor’s nine precision strikes that caused no collateral damage.
He said reach, persistent surveillance, air mobility, and air-domain awareness are essential.
The IAF added networked command and control, long-range capability, and deployments to Australia, Malaysia, Thailand.

History

Historical Context

After the 13 December 2001 Parliament attack, India launched Operation Parakram, mobilising about 500,000 troops and spending roughly $3-4 billion, the largest post-1971 deployment. It displaced roughly 155,000 Indians and 45,000 Pakistanis. The IAF’s 2002 Mirage-2000 strike on Loonda Post illustrated the new emphasis on precision air strikes. Demonstrating how integrated air and ground power can shape South-Asian deterrence today.

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Theatre Based Command

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh told PTI on Oct. 25 2026 that the Indian Air Force is monitoring Indo-Pacific developments and enhancing capabilities.
The IAF is adopting a theatre-based command structure with centralised control and decentralised execution to meet security needs.
Operation Sindoor, launched May 2025, involved precision strikes across a 1,200-km front in Pakistan-occupied territories.
Singh said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands enable extended-range missions with aerial refuelling and early-warning.

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