The limits of air power, implications for theatre-isation

The article analyzes the limitations of air power in modern warfare, drawing lessons from the Ukraine and Iran conflicts, where air superiority alone proved insufficient to achieve decisive victory. It then applies these insights to India's military strategy, focusing on the Indian Air Force's (IAF) preference for operational flexibility over fixed theatre commands. The author argues that while the IAF's current approach has been effective against Pakistan, it may be inadequate against China due to factors like advanced networked air defense, China's strategic depth, the cost-arithmetic of modern weaponry (drones vs. interceptors), and challenging Himalayan terrain. The article advocates for theatre-isation and enhanced 'jointness' among India's armed forces to address integration deficits and ensure readiness for potential future conflicts, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), emphasizing that this decision ultimately rests with India's political leadership.