In a significant move towards enhancing inter-service collaboration, Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), visited Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command, on January 14, 2025. The meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the Western Air Command, focused on strategies for effective training geared towards joint operations in multi-domain scenarios.
Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, who recently assumed his role at ARTRAC on July 1, 2024, brings with him a wealth of experience from commanding various units in sensitive operational sectors, counter-terrorism environments, and high-altitude terrains. His career includes significant command roles such as leading ‘THE SCINDE HORSE’, an Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division, and a Corps on the Western Front. His appointment aims to streamline and enhance the training methodologies within the Indian Army, particularly in the context of joint operations with other military branches.
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who took command of the Western Air Command on January 1, 2025, is pivotal in steering the direction of India’s aerial defense strategy in one of its most crucial commands. His leadership is anticipated to foster a closer integration of air force capabilities with ground operations, a necessity in today’s complex battlefield scenarios.
The discussion between Lt Gen Sharma and Air Marshal Mishra underscored the importance of adapting military training to the demands of modern warfare, where operations span across land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace. This approach aligns with global military trends, such as the U.S. Army’s adoption of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) for multi-domain operations, highlighting the need for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in joint military endeavors.
This strategic meeting not only signifies the Indian military’s commitment to readiness and interoperability but also reflects the ongoing reforms within the Indian armed forces to ensure merit-based promotions and appointments, as evidenced by the recent policy changes for the promotion of Lieutenant Generals.
