Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), visited Headquarters Southern Air Command (SAC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on March 12, 2025, for the Commanders’ Conference. During his address, the Air Chief emphasized the critical need for technological adaptability, capability enhancement, and the strategic importance of leveraging human resources to strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF) as an agile and adaptable aerospace power.
Strategic Focus on Emerging Domains
Recognizing the rapid evolution of global warfare, Air Chief Marshal Singh urged commanders to stay ahead of developments in space, cyber, and electronic warfare, areas that are becoming increasingly pivotal in modern conflicts. He emphasized that technological supremacy in these domains will be crucial in securing India’s national interests and ensuring air dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
His remarks align with IAF’s broader modernization vision, focusing on next-generation air capabilities, electronic warfare resilience, and network-centric operations to enhance combat readiness in future multi-domain battlefields.
Role of Southern Air Command in India’s Aerospace Security
Established on July 19, 1984, Southern Air Command (SAC) plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s southern airspace and maritime interests. Initially headquartered at Belhaven Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, the command later shifted to Akkulam on August 8, 1996, following the completion of a dedicated facility.
With operational oversight over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, SAC plays a pivotal role in air-sea rescue missions, maritime surveillance, and rapid response operations across India’s extended oceanic frontiers. Its strategic location makes it instrumental in defending the Indian Ocean Region, an area of growing geopolitical importance.
IAF’s Vision: Strengthening Aerospace Power for National Security
During the conference, the Air Chief reiterated the importance of capability enhancement, human resource optimization, and seamless integration of advanced technologies to bolster the IAF’s operational effectiveness. He urged commanders to adopt an innovative approach, ensuring that the Air Force remains future-ready and aligned with India’s national security objectives.
With growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, IAF’s Southern Air Command continues to evolve as a force multiplier, enhancing India’s maritime airpower, strategic surveillance, and rapid deployment capabilities. The Commanders’ Conference served as a platform to reaffirm IAF’s commitment to technological excellence, strategic agility, and aerospace superiority in the years to come.
