Syllabus: GS3/Defence & Security
Context
- Recently, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasized the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC) marking a transformational shift in India’s military structure.
About the Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC)
- These are a modern military strategy adopted by several nations to enhance joint operations and resource optimization across their armed forces.
- The concept involves unifying the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command structure to improve efficiency, coordination, and rapid response to security threats.
- India’s ITC aims to strengthen India’s defense preparedness, particularly in border regions with China and Pakistan, and enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
- In 2016, Shekatkar Committee suggested 3 Theatre Commands (North, West, South). In 2024, Mumbai hosts India’s first tri-service logistics base.
Current Structure of Indian Armed Forces
- India currently operates through 17 single-service commands:
- Army: 7 (Northern, Eastern, Southern, Western, Central, South-Western, ARTRAC)
- Air Force: 7 (Western, Eastern, Southern, South-Western, Central, Maintenance, Training)
- Navy: 3 (Western, Eastern, Southern)
- Each command is headed by a 4-star officer of the respective service, leading to duplication of resources, coordination delays, and operational fragmentation.
- The ITC framework is designed to replace India’s 17 single-service commands with a smaller number of integrated commands, ensuring unified control over military operations.
Existing Existing Tri-Service Commands
- Strategic Forces Command (SFC): Overseeing India’s nuclear deterrent.
- Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC): Oversees Bay of Bengal & Southeast Asia
Proposed Theatre Commands
- Northern Theatre (Lucknow): China border: Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal
- Western Theatre (Jaipur): Pakistan front: J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan
- Maritime Theatre (Thiruvananthapuram): Indian Ocean Region, Andaman Sea
Why Does India Need Theatre Commands?
- Combat Efficiency: Single commander = faster, coordinated battlefield decisions
- Resource Optimisation: No duplication of logistics, infrastructure, or personnel
- Interoperability: Seamless communication and operation across services
- Readiness for Modern Warfare: Integrates space, cyber, electronic, and special forces
- Post-Kargil Realisation: Kargil Review Committee flagged lack of coordination as a key weakness
Key Issues & Concerns
- Inter-Service Coordination Challenges: The Army and Navy need to align their operational doctrines with Indian Air Force (IAF) to ensure seamless integration.
- Structural & Command Hierarchy Issues: The proposed four-star theatre commanders may create hierarchical conflicts with existing service chiefs.
- The transition from single-service commands to joint commands requires extensive restructuring.
- Resource Allocation & Logistics: Limited air assets could be stretched thin across multiple theatre commands, reducing operational effectiveness.
- Infrastructure development for new command headquarters is still in progress.
- Geopolitical & Strategic Concerns: The China-centric Northern Theatre Command must effectively counter PLA’s Western Theatre Command, operational since 2016.
- The Western Theatre Command must address Pakistan-related security challenges, including cross-border terrorism.
- Policy & Implementation Delays: The government approval process has slowed down implementation, with final decisions still pending.
- The Standing Committee on Defence has emphasized the need for further deliberations before rollout.
Countries with Established Theatre Commands
- United States: It operates under Unified Combatant Commands, dividing global operations into geographical and functional commands.
- Examples: INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command), CENTCOM (Central Command), and EUCOM (European Command).
- Each command integrates Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force assets for strategic operations.
- Examples: INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command), CENTCOM (Central Command), and EUCOM (European Command).
- China: It reorganized its military into five theatre commands in 2016, including Western (focused on India border security), Eastern (Taiwan and Pacific operations), Southern (South China Sea), Northern (Russia and Korea), and Central (domestic security).
- Russia: It integrates land, air, and naval forces under these commands for strategic defense. It operates four military districts, functioning as theatre commands, as Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Military District.
- United Kingdom & France: They have joint operational commands for overseas deployments.
- The UK’s Joint Forces Command oversees cyber, intelligence, and logistics.
- France’s Commandement des Opérations Spéciales integrates special forces across services.
Conclusion
- The creation of Integrated Theatre Commands is not just a structural change—it is a paradigm shift in India’s military doctrine.
- By fostering jointness, efficiency, and strategic clarity, this reform will modernize India’s defense forces, ensuring they remain ready, relevant, and resurgent in the face of evolving global threats.
