Integrated theatre commands

Source-This post on Integrated theatre commands has been created based on the article “Why Indian armed forces will shift to integrated theatre commands” published in “The Indian Express” on 24 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.

Context-The article highlights the significance of integrated theatre commands for ensuring cohesiveness in the functioning of the armed forces. The Indian Armed Forces are finetuning the final draft for the creation of integrated theatre commands.

What are the Integrated Theatre Commands?

Objective-This ambitious defence reform aims to integrate the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to operate jointly in specific adversary-based theatres with defined military goals during conflicts or wars.

Global practice-All most major militaries in the world have including USA, China and France have the theatre command set up.

Creation of DMA-The government initiated this reform in 2019 by creating the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and setting up the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to oversee the transition.

A detailed article on Integrated Theatre Commands in India can be read here.

What is the significance of Integrated theatre commands?

1)  Rationalizing manpower and resources-Currently, the three services operate individually under their respective operational commands. With theatre commands, their personnel, assets, infrastructure, and logistics would be integrated to operate cohesively towards defined military goals in specific theatres.

2) Streamlining Command Structure -The theatre commands will streamline the existing command structure by transforming three service command headquarters into theatre command headquarters. Additionally, the Andaman and Nicobar Command may be incorporated into one of the theatre commands.

3) Unique Structure of India’s Theatre Commands -Indias theatre commands would not follow any global military order and would be based on India’s unique security situation.

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What are the proposed theatre commands and headquarters?

Plans include making Mumbai the first common defence station for all three services and establishing more joint logistics nodes nationwide to enhance logistical integration, streamline supply chains, and facilitate officer postings across services.

Further, the latest draft envisions three adversary-based theatre commands:

1) Western Theatre Command facing Pakistan -proposed headquarters in Jaipur)

2) Northern Theatre Command facing China -proposed headquarters in Lucknow)

3) Maritime Theatre Command for threats in the Indian Ocean Region -proposed headquarters in Coimbatore, Karwar, or Thiruvananthapuram.

What are the proposed leadership structures for the theatre commands?

1) Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQIDS) is likely to operate under the CDS.

2)  Three theatre commanders who will be of rank of General or equivalent, will head the theatre commands.They would be responsible for operations

3) Theatre commanders will report to a National Defence Committee, likely headed by the Defence Minister

4) Plans are in place for the appointment of a Vice Chief of Defence Staff (Vice CDS) to oversee strategic planning, capability development, and procurement, along with a Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Deputy CDS) to handle operations, intelligence, and asset allocation. The Deputy CDS is likely to be a Lieutenant General or equivalent.

5) Service Chiefs would be responsible for raising, training, and sustaining individual services.

6) Strategic Forces Command will continue independently.

Over the past five years, several drafts have been crafted to determine the optimal model for India’s theatre commands. However, the government has yet to grant final approval for the plan’s implementation.

Question for practice

What is the significance of Integrated theatre commands? How can proposed theatre commands and headquarters help in achieving the objective of Integrated theatre commands?