Creation of Integrated Theatre Commands

Significance: GS III; Defence and Security;

Why in the News?
 

The Indian government is planning for the big change - the Army, Navy, and Air Force will be reorganized to operate more closely as a single unit - “Integrated Theatre Commands.”

• The Ministry of Defence has also (in Jan 2025) announced that 2025 will be the “Year of Reforms” for the armed forces.
• Plan is to have a major push to modernize and upgrade the defence forces so that they work better together and are ready for future challenges

What are “Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC)”?

• An ITC is a military structure where the Army, Navy, and Air Force operate under a single commander for a specific geographic area or thematic purpose.
• This unified command aims to improve coordination, decision-making, and combat effectiveness by pooling resources and ensuring seamless integration of forces.
• Structural Mandate:
  • The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is responsible for making sure the Army, Navy, and Air Force work together smoothly in every area—like operations, logistics, training, and support.
  • The plan is to have three main theatre commands:
    • Two land commands (for the western and northern borders)
    • One maritime (sea) command (for the coastline)
  • It is recommended that the heads of these commands, as well as the Vice CDS, should all be four-star officers—just like the Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs, and the CDS.

• For example, India will be better prepared for threats from countries like China or Pakistan, or for handling emergencies like natural disasters.

Countries with Integrated Theatre Commands
United States	Has 11 unified geographic and functional combatant commands (e.g., Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command) that integrate all service branches for global operations.
China	Reorganized its military in 2016 into five theatre commands: Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern, and Central, each responsible for specific strategic regions and threats.
Russia	Operates four main military districts (Western, Southern, Central, Eastern) functioning as theatre commands, integrating land, air, and naval forces for regional defense.
United Kingdom	Has a Joint Forces Command overseeing cyber, intelligence, and logistics, integrating operations across services, especially for overseas deployments
France	Uses Commandement des Operations Speciales and other joint operational commands to coordinate special forces and overseas military actions
India is moving toward this model, with the Andaman and Nicobar Command as its only operational tri-service theatre command so far, and plans underway for more integrated theatre commands

What are the major challenges to adapt with the ITC system in the context of India?

• Establish Clear Joint Doctrine and Command Structure: Develop and formalize a unified war-fighting doctrine that clearly defines the roles, responsibilities, and authority of theatre commanders and service chiefs.
  • This should be backed by robust joint training and regular inter-service exercises to build trust and operational synergy.
• Optimize Resource Allocation and Modernize Equipment: India should prioritize modernization of outdated platforms and invest in new technologies, so each theatre command is well-equipped for its specific operational requirements.
• Streamline Command Hierarchy and Integration: Need to establish high-level organizational structure by initiating joint staff committees and integrated logistics, acquisition, and human resource management for seamless functioning.
• Upgrade Infrastructure and Technology: Need to invest in infrastructure in strategic areas (especially border regions) and accelerate integration of advanced technologies like cyber, space, and electronic warfare capabilities.

PYQs Relevance: Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (UPSC CSE 2021)

 

 

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