Recent discussions at a tri-service seminar in Mhow brought into light ongoing debates within the Indian Armed Forces about implementing theatre commands. This reform aims to integrate the Army, Navy, and Air Force under unified regional commands. While the Navy supports full integration, the Air Force urges caution and prefers enhancing joint planning without dismantling existing structures. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) remains committed to resolving differences and advancing the reform.
Concept of Theatre Commands
Theatre commands are unified military commands combining land, sea, and air forces under a single commander for a specific geographical region. Currently, the Army and Air Force each have seven commands, and the Navy has three. Two tri-service commands exist – Andaman and Nicobar Command and Strategic Forces Command. Theatre commands aim to replace these with integrated commands to improve coordination and operational effectiveness.
Rationale Behind Theatre Commands
Modern warfare demands multi-domain operations involving land, sea, air, cyber, and space. Theatre commands facilitate seamless integration across these domains. They allow joint utilisation of resources, faster decision-making, and coordinated responses to complex threats like drone attacks, cyber warfare, and precision strikes. This reform aligns India’s military with global best practices for future conflicts.
Evolution of the Theatre Commands Idea
The idea gained momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post in 2019 to encourage military integration. The CDS heads the Department of Military Affairs, tasked with promoting jointness in training, procurement, staffing, and operations. Since 2020, multiple proposals have been considered, including four commands based on geography and adversaries. The plan evolved into three adversary-based theatre commands covering borders with China, Pakistan, and maritime threats.
Operational and Structural Changes
Theatre commands would shift operational control from individual service chiefs to theatre commanders. However, roles in raising, training, and sustaining forces may remain with service chiefs. Discussions continue on command reporting, headquarters locations, and possible integration of existing tri-service commands. The reform requires dismantling long-standing service-specific command structures.
Challenges and Reservations
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has raised concerns about theatre commands, fearing dilution of its scarce combat assets and operational doctrine. Former and current IAF chiefs emphasise that air power is not merely a support arm and caution against blindly adopting foreign models. They advocate for future-ready commands that do not complicate decision-making or compromise doctrinal integrity. The Navy supports integration but recognises the need to address service-specific concerns.
Steps Towards Jointness Without Theatre Commands
Besides theatre commands, the services have promoted jointness through cross-postings, joint logistics, integrated procurement, and training. A joint planning and coordination centre under the Chiefs of Staff Committee is proposed to enhance synergy. This approach seeks to balance integration with preserving service identities and operational effectiveness.
Current Status and Way Forward
The government has yet to approve the final structure of theatre commands. Multiple exercises and studies are ongoing to refine operational concepts and command structures. The CDS is committed to resolving differences and ensuring the reform strengthens India’s defence capabilities in a rapidly evolving security environment.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the significance of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in enhancing jointness among Indian Armed Forces and estimate its impact on military reforms.
- Critically analyse the challenges of restructuring military commands in India with suitable examples from other countries’ defence reforms.
- What are the implications of multi-domain warfare on modern military strategies? How should armed forces adapt to these changes?
- Underline the role of integrated command structures in addressing border security challenges in India, particularly with China and Pakistan.
