Theaterisation of India Armed Forces
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Internal Security in India
Source: LM
Context: The article highlights the necessity for India’s armed forces to adopt specific theatre commands for efficient defense planning.
What are Theatre Commands?
A theatre command in the military refers to a specific geographical area where military operations are planned, coordinated, and executed under a single command. It is a way of organizing and managing military forces within a particular region or theatre of operations.
The idea behind the Theatre Command System is to enhance coordination and synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Currently, almost all major countries like China, Russia, the US, the UK and France are working on a theatre command concept.
Case of China:
• China reorganised its 2.3-million People’s Liberation Army into five theatre commands in 2016 to enhance offensive capabilities and establish improved command-and-control structures.
• Its Western Theater Command looks after the entire border with India.
Evolution of the concept in India:
• Kargil Review Committee & Group of Ministers: After the 1999 Kargil battle, highlighted the necessity for a unified war-fighting approach.
• Naresh Chandra Committee: Advocated structural changes in higher defence management.
• Shekatkar Committee: Led by Lt Gen. (retd) D.B. Shekatkar, recommended the creation of the CDS post and theatre commands, emphasizing unified planning.
• CDS Appointment & Department of Military Affairs (DMA): Steps towards achieving jointness among the armed forces, following recommendations from the Shekatkar Committee.
Why does India need theatre commands?
• India currently has 19 military commands. 17 of them are service-oriented – 7 each for the Army and the Air Force and the Navy has 3. A Tri-Service Command– Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC looks after the country’s nuclear stockpile).
• 17 of them are service-oriented – 7 each for the Army and the Air Force and the Navy has 3.
• A Tri-Service Command– Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC looks after the country’s nuclear stockpile).
• The aim is to bring all the individual commands into four or five unified or theatre commandsto streamline military operations and enhance coordination and efficiency in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
• This will aid in better planning, military response and a unified approachto fighting future wars while also lowering costs.
• Case study – Acquisition of Apache attack helicopters from the US: While the Indian Air Force got 22 Apaches, the Army has also placed orders for six of these choppers. The end result is a loss of at least Rs 2,500 croreand haphazard operational planning.
Benefits of theaterization
• Increased efficiency: Rationalization of warfighting resources and execution efficiency for integrated action against threats.
• Cost-effective in the long run: Although initial costs may rise, theaterization aids in better planning and military response, ultimately reducing long-term costs.
• Rationalization of command structure: Theaterization aims to streamline the uneven command structure across the Indian military, bringing about a more balanced distribution of commands.
• Operational Efficiency: Traditional separation of forces for land, air, and sea combat leads to inefficiencies.
• Specific Theatres: Strategic positioning of forces in specific regions such as Jaipur for western threats, Lucknow for northern threats, and Coimbatore for maritime threats.
• Resource Optimization: Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) ensure better resource utilization and readiness improvement.
• Evolving Warfare: Modern warfare requires quick and coordinated responses, which separate commands cannot efficiently provide.
Steps taken towards theaterisation in India:
• The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill 2023includes a provision regarding a joint services command.
• CDS Appointment: India appointed its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) nearly five years ago to oversee defence reforms.
• ITC Proposal: A concrete plan for Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) signals progress in restructuring.
• Leadership Roles: The proposed structure includes a vice-CDS for strategic planning and procurement and a deputy CDS for operations and intelligence.
• Operational Coordination: While service chiefs lead their forces, combat operations will be managed by top officers with a strategic view.
• The cross-staffing initiativesare aimed at areas of commonality, such as equipment like UAVs and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
• Steps are being taken to introduce “common annual confidential reports” for all two and three-star generals across the armed forces to synergise the appraisal system for tri-service appointments.
Planned Theatre Commands
According to the current proposal, there will be five theatre commands, namely
• Northern Land Theatre(Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Central sector; China and Pakistan centric)
• Western Land Theatre(Pakistan-centric)
• Eastern Land Theatre (China-centric)
• Maritime Theatre Command(merging of the eastern and western naval commands, besides getting elements from the Army and the Air Force)
• Air Defence Command
• Integrated Logistics Command
Challenges:
• IAF’s Concerns: IAF supports theaterization but prefers a single theatre to maintain control over its assets.
• Service Culture Differences: The distinct cultures and operational methods of the Army, Navy, and Air Force pose challenges to integration.
• Massive Funding Required: Establishing the infrastructure for theatre commands necessitates significant financial resources.
• No Need for Theaterization: Some experts argue against theatre commands, citing past cooperation among services during warfare and the lack of precedent in other countries.
Way forward:
• Implement ITCs: Prioritize the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands for operational efficiency.
• Strategic Leadership: Appoint vice-CDS and deputy CDS roles for strategic planning and operations.
• Equipment Upgrades: Ensure continuous modernization of military equipment.
• Consensus on AI Use: Develop a consensus on AI-led strikes to minimize collateral damage.
• Supportive Ecosystem: Focus on indigenous technology and self-reliance in defense.
• Managing Internal & External Security: Assess how internal and external security will be managed under theater commands.
• Parliament’s Role: Establish a dedicated parliamentary committee staffed with military advisers to monitor the transition.
• Service-Neutral Commands: Ensure no theatre “belongs” to any service; appoint commanders based on talent and experience.
• Modular Structure: Modularize armed forces into smaller, networked brigades for enhanced deployability and sustainability.
Conclusion:
India has the world’s 4th largest military, but its services operate independently. While theatre commands are needed, their launch should not be rushed. For effective theatre commands, a national security strategy and appropriate tri-service structures are essential. They should be prepared for future warfare, including space and cyber domains, without complicating decision-making processes.
Insta Links:
• The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill 2023