Recent discussions surrounding India’s defense theaterization plan highlight a divergence between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the government, emphasizing the importance of jointness over immediate structural changes. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have underscored the operational necessity of tri-service coordination, particularly demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. However, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh has expressed reservations about hasty implementation, advocating for a joint planning and coordination center instead. The debate reflects broader concerns about adapting foreign military models to India’s unique strategic context, particularly as the IAF’s recent successes in air power projection enhance its influence in these discussions, highlighting the need for a tailored approach to national defense.