In a bid to strengthen India’s joint warfighting capabilities, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, recently visited the Central Air Command headquarters in Prayagraj. His meeting with Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, was centered on enhancing operational coordination between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
The discussions revolved around crucial aspects of “Air-Land Integration,” highlighting the necessity of adapting to evolving regional threats. Both commanders underscored the importance of improving collaborative efforts through enhanced joint training exercises, robust disaster response mechanisms, and synchronized mission planning. These initiatives aim to elevate overall combat effectiveness amid a changing security landscape.
Lieutenant General Sengupta, who assumed command of Central Command on July 1, 2024, drew on his experiences from previous leadership roles in Leh and Kashmir, particularly in counter-insurgency and high-altitude operations. Air Marshal Manikantan, who took over his current position on May 1, 2025, contributed insights backed by over 5,400 flying hours, specializing in helicopter-based missions.
Established in 1966, the Central Air Command is integral to India’s aerial defense infrastructure and manages strategic assets, including the Mirage 2000 and Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft. Its collaboration with the Army is critical for the security of the Indo-Tibet border and for maintaining readiness across key regions of the country.
This high-level engagement reflects a rejuvenated focus on tri-service synergy and integrated command structures, which are deemed vital for bolstering India’s combat preparedness moving forward. Both commanders expressed their unwavering commitment to enhancing cooperation, ensuring that the armed forces remain agile and ready to address any security challenges that may arise.
