Lt Gen Sengupta and Air Marshal Manikantan Strengthen Army-Air Force Coordination in Prayagraj Meeting
In a strategic effort to bolster India's joint warfighting capabilities, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, paid a visit to the Central Air Command headquarters in Prayagraj. The purpose of the visit was to engage in a high-level meeting with Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who serves as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command.
The main focus of this visit was to enhance operational coordination between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Both military leaders underscored the significance of "Air-Land Integration" as regional threats continue to evolve. Key points of discussion included plans to improve joint training exercises, disaster response strategies, and synchronized mission planning to boost overall combat efficiency.
Lieutenant General Sengupta, who assumed leadership of the Central Command on July 1, 2024, shared valuable insights from his previous commands in Leh and Kashmir, where he was involved in counter-insurgency and high-altitude operations. Meanwhile, Air Marshal Manikantan, who took on his current role on May 1, 2025, contributed his operational expertise, gained from over 5,400 flying hours, particularly in helicopter missions.
The Central Air Command, established in 1966, plays an indispensable role in India's aerial defense, operating strategic assets like the Mirage 2000 and Ilyushin Il-76. Its collaboration with the Army is crucial for securing the Indo-Tibet border and ensuring readiness within the nation's interior regions.
This meeting highlights a renewed emphasis on tri-service synergy and integrated command structures, which are viewed as essential for India's future combat preparedness. Both commanders reiterated their dedication to enhancing collaboration, ensuring that the armed forces are equipped to quickly respond to any security threats.
