The Indian Armed Forces continue to strengthen air–maritime jointness as Air Marshal Surat Singh, AVSM, VM, VSM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command, visited INS Vikrant on 18 January 2026. The visit highlighted India’s growing focus on integrated warfighting capabilities and seamless coordination between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy.
Review of INS Vikrant’s Combat and Aviation Capabilities
During the visit, Air Marshal Surat Singh was comprehensively briefed on the aircraft carrier’s:
- Advanced combat and sensor systems
- Carrier-based aviation operations
- Force projection and sea-control capabilities
- Role in maritime air dominance across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
The briefings underlined INS Vikrant’s high state of operational readiness and its critical role as a cornerstone of India’s maritime power projection.
Emphasis on Air–Maritime Joint Operations
Interacting with naval officers and sailors onboard, the Air Marshal lauded the professionalism, preparedness, and operational synergy displayed by the crew. He stressed that future conflicts will demand multi-domain coordination, where air and maritime forces must operate as a single integrated combat entity.
He highlighted the importance of:
- Close IAF–Navy coordination
- Interoperability of platforms and systems
- Joint planning to counter evolving multi-domain and hybrid threats
Strengthening Integrated Warfighting Doctrine
The visit reaffirmed the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to:
- Joint warfighting imperatives
- Integrated operational planning
- Enhanced inter-service cooperation
- Rapid response capability across air and maritime domains
Such engagements play a vital role in strengthening India’s overall defence posture, particularly in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.
Strategic Significance of INS Vikrant
As India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant represents a major leap in self-reliance and maritime capability. Regular high-level reviews such as this ensure that the carrier remains fully prepared to meet emerging security challenges and supports India’s vision of a credible, integrated, and future-ready military force.
Conclusion
The visit of Air Marshal Surat Singh aboard INS Vikrant underscores India’s determined push toward jointness, interoperability, and integrated warfighting. With air and maritime forces operating in close coordination, the Indian Armed Forces continue to enhance deterrence, operational effectiveness, and regional stability.