Defence Forces Urged to Enhance Surprise Tactics and Readiness
In a pivotal address at the Air Force Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on November 12, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Indian Armed Forces to bolster both offensive and defensive strategies surrounding the element of surprise. Stressing the importance of operational readiness against traditional and emerging threats, Singh highlighted the rapid technological advancements that are reshaping modern warfare.
During his speech, Singh called for enhanced intelligence and surveillance capabilities to better identify potential threats before they materialize. “Our Defence Forces must develop capabilities and methods that leave the adversary with no time to react or recover,” he stated. He acknowledged the critical role played by drones and advanced weapon systems in recent conflicts, referencing the ongoing situations in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas region. These conflicts illustrate the shift toward non-contact warfare, where air defence systems and drone technologies have become essential to operational success.
Recognizing new challenges like kamikaze drones and counter-drone operations, Singh urged commanders to adopt dedicated doctrines for these emerging warfare domains, which include electronic, cyber, and space. “Victory in future conflicts will depend not merely on the number of aircraft but also on technological sophistication, speed of response, and precision of preparations,” he noted, emphasizing the need for integration of these elements into military planning.
Singh commended the Indian Air Force for its successful operation during and after Operation Sindoor, which showcased the professionalism and restraint of air personnel. The lessons learned from this operation, he said, should be integral to transforming the Defence Forces and focusing on advanced operational procedures.
He acknowledged the synergy and coordinated efforts among the three military services during the operation, reiterating that integrated military planning must remain a priority. In his remarks, he also encouraged the IAF to enhance training for its personnel in line with rapid technological changes, emphasizing the potential contributions of young recruits to organizational development.
Additionally, Singh announced the ‘Second Tour of Duty’ initiative for Agniveers, a decision made in line with feedback from the Defence Forces. This program aims to further strengthen the capabilities of the three Services.
As part of the conference, Singh launched a new suite of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications developed by the IAF’s AI Centre of Excellence. These applications will streamline operations across various sectors, marking a significant leap in the IAF’s technology-driven transformation.
The inaugural session was attended by key officials, including Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. This year’s conference theme, ‘The Year of Empowerment: Maximising Efficiency Through Decentralisation’, aims to foster discussions among senior IAF leaders on crucial operational and administrative issues.
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