📷 Image Credits: India Today
The Defence Ministry in India is making significant progress in setting up Theatre Commands, a long-awaited initiative aimed at enhancing integration among the three services. Senior defence officials have identified Lucknow, Jaipur, and Thiruvanathapuram as the headquarters for the proposed Theatre Commands. The Western Theatre Command in Jaipur will focus on threats from Pakistan, while the Northern Theatre Command in Lucknow will handle threats from the northern side. Additionally, the Maritime Theatre Command in Thiruvananthapuram will be responsible for maritime security and island territories. The establishment of Theatre Commands is part of a broader effort to create a joint military culture among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Department of Military Affairs has formulated over 100 points to promote integration and jointness among the forces, with some key initiatives already approved. These initiatives include joint maintenance of critical equipment like helicopters and assault rifles. Furthermore, committees have been formed to enhance jointness in intelligence gathering and multi-domain warfighting. The consolidation of operations divisions at the Theatre and central headquarters levels is also underway, signaling a significant shift towards unified command structures. The Theatre command system aims to increase collaboration between the services, streamline logistics, and optimize resource allocation. By centralizing command under a single commander, the forces can better adapt to operational requirements and improve combat effectiveness. The integration of training, administration, and logistics will lead to enhanced operational efficiency and bolster India’s military capabilities. The implementation of Theatre Commands is a crucial step towards modernizing India’s defence architecture and ensuring preparedness for future challenges.
