In a noteworthy development aimed at bolstering inter-service collaboration, personnel from the Indian Army’s Dot On Target Division visited the Indian Air Force (IAF) Station in Sirsa, Haryana. This visit, which took place on April 16, 2025, was designed to enhance joint operational capabilities between the Indian Army and the IAF in response to contemporary security challenges.
The event was organized under the auspices of the Western Air Command and featured a series of engaging interactions between Army troops and IAF personnel, including officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and other ranks. A highlight of the visit was a symbolic exchange of mementos, which served to reinforce the commitment of both services to mutual understanding and cooperation. Army personnel received briefings on air operations, with sessions held in proximity to fighter jets, likely Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs, renowned for their extensive range of 3,000 km and sophisticated avionics.
During the visit, the Army troops undertook a comprehensive tour of the airbase, gaining valuable insights into the operational strategies employed by the IAF, aircraft maintenance protocols, and the integral role of airpower in joint missions. A particularly engaging session involved groups of soldiers gathered around a fighter jet, where they received a hands-on briefing about its capabilities, emphasizing the critical importance of air-ground coordination in modern warfare. The day concluded with a group photograph featuring personnel from both services, positioned proudly in front of two fighter jets, symbolizing their collective commitment to national defense.
The historical significance of the Sirsa Air Force Station was underscored during the visit, as it played a strategic role during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The base withstood a pre-emptive strike from the Pakistan Air Force, sustaining limited damage due to its strong defensive measures. Its strategic location near the western border has established it as a vital component of India’s defense infrastructure, facilitating critical operations over the years.
This initiative is reflective of the Indian Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to enhance integration among its various branches, a strategy that has been reported to improve operational efficiency by as much as 30%, according to a 2023 study from the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The collaboration builds upon the successes of previous joint exercises, including the heliborne operations carried out by the Battle Axe Division and the IAF in 2024, which highlighted the effectiveness of combined arms operations.
Through such collaborative engagements, the Indian Army and IAF are working towards creating a mission-ready force that can achieve seamless coordination in response to evolving threats, thereby strengthening the nation’s overall defense framework.
