Jointness is an operational necessity, not a choice, says Rajnath Singh at IAF Seminar

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (September 30, 2025), underlined that jointness among the Armed Forces is no longer a choice but an operational necessity in the evolving security environment.

He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Indian Air Force at Subroto Park, New Delhi, on the theme “Fostering Greater Jointness – Synergy through Shared Learning in the Domain of Inspection and Audits, Aviation Standards and Aerospace Safety.”

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Mr. Singh said the tri-services synergy during the exercise created a unified, real-time operational picture that empowered commanders with timely decisions, enhanced situational awareness and reduced the risk of fratricide. He described it as a benchmark for all future operations.

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He highlighted the role of the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), the Army’s Akashteer, and the Navy’s Trigun in providing a joint operational backbone during the operation.

The Defence Minister noted that the interconnected nature of land, sea, air, space and cyberspace demands deeper collaboration. “Jointness has become a fundamental requirement for our national security and operational effectiveness today,” he said, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on integration at the recent Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata.

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Emphasising the government’s commitment to building future-ready systems, he said: “Our objective is to further promote jointness and integration among the Tri-Services. This is not only a matter of policy but of survival in the fast-changing security environment.”

Mr. Singh also pointed to progress in the digital domain, praising the Army’s Computerised Inventory Control Group (CICG), the IAF’s Integrated Materials Management Online System (IMMOLS), and the Navy’s Integrated Logistics Management System. He announced that work has commenced on a Tri-Services Logistics Application to integrate these platforms, offering shared visibility of stocks, optimised resource use, and reduced redundant procurement.

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Acknowledging the unique operational experiences of each service, he said while integration is critical in areas like aviation safety and cyber warfare, it must respect the distinct challenges faced by different forces.

“The cold of the Himalayas is not the same as the heat of the desert. The Navy faces challenges different from the Army and the Air Force. We cannot impose uniformity where it does not fit,” he observed.

Mr. Singh urged the Services to study international best practices but adapt them to Indian realities. “We can learn from others, but our answers must be Indian answers shaped by our geography, our needs and our culture,” he said.