It was established as a research think tank on 15 September 2001, under an independent, non-profit, non-governmental trust registered in New Delhi titled "Forum for National Security Studies", officially registered under the existing regulations in New Delhi U/S 12 A of the IT Act in April 2002 and took over responsibilities for governing as the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS).

[1] CAPS is governed by a Trust, named Forum for National Security Studies, an independent non-profit, non-governmental body.

The Board of Trustees which guides the activities of CAPS is headed by Shri MK Rasgotra, former Foreign Secretary as Chairman, Capt.

He was keen to build scholar warriors by encouraging them to undertake studies on national security, specifically on air power.

[2] The main aims and objectives of CAPS are: a) Undertake and promote policy-related research, study and discussion on the trends and developments in air power and space for civil and military purposes.

d) Undertake research, study, and analyses of the role of air power and space capabilities in India’s defence and security.

f) Publish through books, periodical journals, issue briefs and analytical articles, the activities and studies of the Centre and contributions to constructive thought in relevant fields of national security.

The functioning of the CAPS is governed by the Memorandum of Association and rules and regulations approved by the Registrar of Society, New Delhi.

The current DG of CAPS is Air Marshal Anil Chopra PVSM AVSM VM VSM (Retd.)

Distinguished Fellows (DF) DFs undertake high-quality research work, besides mentoring scholars and handling various projects.

The Centre has also initiated an annual seminar in honour of its founder Director General, Air Commodore Jasjit Singh.

CAPS also produces short articles focused on current topics on national security, which are distributed to leading think tanks, academic institutions and governmental departments.