A contingent of 120 senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force is currently engaged in the 54th Higher Command Course at the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. On Thursday afternoon, these officers visited the Western Air Command (WAC) headquarters as part of their educational efforts to familiarize themselves with joint military operations and the operational concepts of the Air Force relevant to WAC’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The Western Air Command, situated in New Delhi, stands as the largest regional command of the Indian Air Force, tasked with overseeing aerial defense across northern India. Its AOR spans from Jammu and Kashmir to Rajasthan and includes vital states such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh. Founded in 1947 as the No. 1 Operational Group, WAC has been integral to several major conflicts post-independence, including the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War, the 1962 Sino-Indian War, and the 1999 Kargil War, among others. During the Kargil conflict, WAC notably executed over 5,000 sorties, underscoring its strategic significance. The command is also pivotal in conducting essential air logistics operations, including troop supply missions at the Siachen Glacier using Mi-17 helicopters, a capacity refined since the military restructuring following the 1962 conflict.
The visiting officers received comprehensive briefings on WAC’s operational strategies, aligning with India’s growing focus on integrated military planning. This initiative reflects the country’s preparation for potential “two-front” conflicts amidst heightened tensions with both China and Pakistan. As modern warfare increasingly capitalizes on advancements in information technology and features command and control systems, the training has highlighted the necessity for interoperability and joint operations among the armed forces.
The Army War College, where the Higher Command Course is conducted, serves as a premier training hub for defense personnel. Established on April 1, 1971, through the consolidation of the Senior Officers’ and Tactical Wings of the Infantry School, the college was renamed in 2003. It is led by a three-star officer and is celebrated for cultivating military doctrines, researching tactics and logistics, and training between 2,500 to 3,000 officers yearly from India’s Armed Forces and paramilitary units. The institution also welcomes around 100 foreign military officers annually, thereby fostering international relations and collaboration.
The curriculum at the AWC emphasizes synchronized operations among different services, with its effectiveness validated through war games, seminars, and research studies. The War College Journal, previously known as the Combat Journal, serves as a conduit for sharing research findings and insights within the military community. Its strategic positioning in Mhow and relentless focus on adapting to emerging technologies make the AWC a cornerstone of India’s military educational framework, preparing future leaders for complex scenarios along the northern borders.
This visit to the Western Air Command represents a significant advancement in bolstering the operational readiness of India’s future military leadership, drawing on the lessons learned from historical conflicts while addressing the challenges posed by modern warfare.
