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Doctrinal aspects of Air Force should not be compromised by new structures under theatre commands: IAF chief

While the Indian Air Force (IAF) is not opposed to the process of having theatre commands, it has “certain reservations” with respect to the structures and the doctrinal aspects of the force “should not in any way be compromised by this new structure”, said IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) V.R. Chaudhari on Tuesday. On the situation in Eastern Ladakh, while disengagement has been undertaken in some places, the benchmark would be return to “status quo ante” and “complete withdrawal” from all the points all along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari speaks during a press conference ahead of the 90th Air Force Day celebrations on October 8, in New Delhi on October 4, 2022.

“The best benchmark would be return to status quo ante and complete withdrawal from all the points all along the LAC. That is the ideal situation that we would look for. All preparedness in terms infrastructure building, equipment, training and tactics is a continuous effort, irrespective of we see any belligerence on the part of Chinese or not,” ACM Chaudhari said addressing the annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day on October 08.

With Gen Anil Chauhan taking over of the second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) last week, the stalled process of tri-service integration which includes reorganisation of the armed forces into integrated theatre commands is expected to get back on track.

“We are fully supporting the integration process. It is only the methodology and the kind of structure that need to be future ready is what we are insisting,” the Air Chief said. On what future ready means, he said it should be shorter decision making, reduction in the layers of command and control and more importantly to synergy the core competencies.

“Each service has a doctrine. The doctrinal aspects of the IAF is what I am worried about, should not in anyway be compromised by this new structure,” he stated.

Asked about the situation along the LAC following the recent disengagement from Patrolling Point-15 in Gogra-Hot Springs area, the Air Chief said they we keep monitoring the activities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force. “Infrastructure development continues to take place at a rapid place across the LAC particularly Eastern Ladakh sector.”