Date : 21/06/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

Keywords – Air Defence Command (ADC), common annual confidential reports, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles

Context:

India is moving ahead to establish theatre commands, aiming to build integrated war-fighting machinery in a cost-effective manner.

About Theatre Commands –

India is taking significant steps towards establishing theatre commands, aiming to create an integrated war-fighting machinery in a cost-effective manner. Theatre commands refer to specific geographical areas where military operations are planned, coordinated, and executed under a single command. The concept is designed to enhance coordination and synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Several major countries like China, Russia, the US, the UK, and France already operate on the theatre command system.

China's Example:

In 2016, China reorganized its 2.3-million People's Liberation Army into five theatre commands, with the aim of enhancing offensive capabilities and establishing improved command-and-control structures. Its Western Theater Command specifically oversees the entire border with India.

India’s Case :

India's Need for Theatre Commands:

Currently, India has 19 military commands, with 17 of them being service-oriented, including seven each for the Army and Air Force, and three for the Navy. Additionally, there is a Tri-Service Command, namely the Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), responsible for the country's nuclear stockpile. By consolidating these individual commands into four or five unified theatre commands, India aims to streamline military operations, improve coordination and efficiency, and respond effectively to the evolving security landscape. This approach will facilitate better planning, military response, and a unified approach to future warfare, while also reducing costs.

Case Study: Acquisition of Apache Attack Helicopters:

An example highlighting the need for theatre commands is the acquisition of Apache attack helicopters. While the Indian Air Force procured 22 Apaches, the Army also ordered six of these choppers, resulting in a loss of at least Rs 2,500 crore and causing operational planning challenges.

Steps towards Theatre Command Implementation:

The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control, and Discipline) Bill 2023 includes a provision for a joint services command. Cross-staffing initiatives are being undertaken to address common areas such as equipment like UAVs and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Efforts are being made to introduce "common annual confidential reports" for all two and three-star generals across the armed forces, synergizing the appraisal system for tri-Service appointments.

Progress in India's Theatre Command Plans:

A consensus has been reached among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force regarding the establishment of three integrated theatre commands. Each command will be led by a senior 3-star general, such as Lieutenant Generals, Air Marshals, or Vice Admirals. These commands will be responsible for managing the northern borders with China, the western front with Pakistan, and the maritime command in peninsular India. The original proposal for an Air Defence Command (ADC) has been discarded, as 'air defence' and 'offensive air' missions are interdependent and cannot be carried out in isolation during conflicts. Therefore, air assets will be reallocated between theatre commands based on the specific contingencies faced.

The Way Ahead:

To optimize the effectiveness of theatre commands, it is crucial to have a national security strategy in place and establish the appropriate tri-service structures. Furthermore, theatre commands must adapt to emerging forms of warfare in the space and cyber domains while avoiding an increase in decision-making chains.

By implementing theatre commands, India is taking significant strides towards enhancing coordination, efficiency, and overall military capabilities. This reorganization will enable a more unified and streamlined approach to safeguarding the nation's security in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

Source – Economic Times