IndiaPosted at: Nov 12 2026 4:53PM


Surprise, technological edge and jointness key to IAF’s preparedness for future wars: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called for strengthening the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) offensive and defensive capabilities, emphasising that the element of surprise, technological superiority and jointness among the three Services would be critical to maintaining operational preparedness against conventional and emerging security threats.
Singh stressed the need to strengthen intelligence and surveillance mechanisms, improve integration among military systems and develop the ability to identify potential threats before they materialise.
“Our Defence Forces must develop capabilities and methods that leave the adversary with no time to react or recover, while simultaneously ensuring that we are never caught off guard by an unexpected move from the enemy,” he said, underlining that surprise could take both conventional and electronic forms.
He called for greater vigilance, agility and preparedness among personnel to respond effectively to rapidly changing battlefield situations.
Pointing to the changing character of warfare, Singh said contemporary conflicts are increasingly extending beyond conventional battlefields into non-contact domains, with missiles, drones and advanced weapon systems becoming decisive elements of military operations.
Citing the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, he highlighted the growing importance of drones and air defence systems, and asked the IAF leadership to prepare for challenges posed by kamikaze drones, surveillance systems and counter-drone operations.
The Defence Minister also called for developing dedicated doctrines and operational architectures for emerging domains, including electronic, cyber and space warfare, saying these would have a significant bearing on the outcome of future conflicts.
“Victory in future conflicts would depend not merely on the number of aircraft, but also on technological sophistication, speed of response and precision of preparations,” he said, urging the IAF to integrate emerging technologies into its institutional thinking, planning and operational processes.
Highlighting the ongoing transformation of the armed forces, Singh said reforms in organisational structures, jointness, integration and operational concepts were essential to adapting to the evolving security environment.
He commended the IAF for its performance during and after Operation Sindoor, particularly appreciating the professionalism, restraint and sound judgement displayed by air warriors while carrying out assigned missions.
The lessons drawn from the operation, he said, were reflected in the IAF's evolving operational procedures, with greater emphasis on drones and air defence capabilities. He also lauded the coordinated contribution of the Army, Navy and Air Force during the operation, stressing that jointness and integration must remain central to future military planning and execution.
Singh urged the IAF to continue upgrading the skills of its personnel in line with rapid technological advancements. He particularly highlighted the potential of young recruits, saying their technological knowledge and expertise could contribute to better decision-making and organisational development.
Referring to the government's decision to introduce a Second Tour of Duty for Agniveers, the Defence Minister said the initiative followed feedback from the armed forces and reflected the government's commitment to incorporating the Services' suggestions into policy decisions. He expressed confidence that the measure would further strengthen the three Services.
In a major push towards technology-driven modernisation, Singh also launched a suite of indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications developed by the IAF's AI Centre of Excellence under the Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking (UDAAN).
The applications, hosted on the IAF's secure network, are designed to automate and accelerate processes relating to operations, administration and aerospace safety. The initiative marks another step towards expanding the use of indigenous digital technologies in the Air Force.
The two-day conference is being held under the theme, 'The Year of Empowerment: Maximising Efficiency Through Decentralisation'. It provides a platform for the IAF's senior leadership to deliberate on operational preparedness, maintenance, administration and organisational efficiency.UNI PWS AAB
Tags: #Surprise# technological edge and jointness key to IAF’s preparedness for future wars: Rajnath Singh
More News

PM Modi to attend 49th ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits in Manila from Nov 16 to 18

12 Nov 2026 | 6:06 PM

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manila from November 16 to 18 to participate in the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, as India seeks to strengthen its strategic and economic engagement with Southeast Asia amid shifting regional and global geopolitical dynamics.

see more..

Pralhad Joshi launches three digital initiatives of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, calls for wider rollout across school education system

12 Nov 2026 | 5:47 PM

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday launched three digital initiatives of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), aimed at improving school administration, strengthening parent-teacher communication and creating stronger links with former students through technology-driven platforms.
The initiatives include an artificial intelligence-integrated Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) equipped with the ‘Samiksha’ AI Bot, the KVS-Samvaad Parent Connect App and Web Portal, and the KVS Alumni Connect Portal.

see more..

Surprise, technological edge and jointness key to IAF’s preparedness for future wars: Rajnath Singh

12 Nov 2026 | 4:53 PM

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called for strengthening the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) offensive and defensive capabilities, emphasising that the element of surprise, technological superiority and jointness among the three Services would be critical to maintaining operational preparedness against conventional and emerging security threats.

see more..

NSUI protests Delhi's toxic air, demands immediate action from govt

12 Nov 2026 | 4:48 PM

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) The National Students' union of India (NSUI) on Thursday staged a protest against the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, demanding urgent government intervention to address the pollution crisis and safeguard public health.

see more..

UNI NEWS DIGEST AT 1500 HRS ON NOV 12

12 Nov 2026 | 3:49 PM

TOP STORIES OF THE DAY.

see more..