In a move aimed at strengthening India’s defense preparedness, Lieutenant General AVS Rathee, General Officer Commanding of the Konark Corps, met with Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command (SWAC). The high-level meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to address evolving security challenges along India’s western and northern borders.
The discussion, held in a collaborative setting, highlighted the importance of joint planning and operational readiness. A backdrop featuring an operational map titled Operation Sindoor and a model of a strategic asset underscored the focus on integrated military strategies.
The meeting comes in line with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan’s push for “jointness” in military operations, a doctrine designed to tackle multi-domain threats through closer Army-Air Force integration.
Lt Gen Rathee, who took over the Konark Corps in June 2025, is tasked with securing the sensitive Rann of Kutch region, a strategically important area with historical relevance dating back to the 1965 Indo-Pak war. His leadership is expected to drive modernization and operational efficiency in the corps.
Air Marshal Kapoor, commissioned into the IAF in 1986 and leading SWAC since May 2025, brings over 3,400 flight hours and extensive experience in commanding fighter squadrons and bases. His expertise adds significant air power perspective to the joint dialogue.
Defence observers view the Rathee-Kapoor meeting as a proactive step towards strengthening joint operational doctrines, reflecting India’s evolving military strategy in a volatile regional landscape.
