INTEGRATED THEATRE COMMANDS
1. Context
2. India's Push for Integrated Theatre Commands
Three Integrated Theatre Commands The revised proposal calls for the creation of three integrated theatre commands, each led by a senior three-star general. The commands will be responsible for managing the northern borders with China, the western front with Pakistan, and a maritime command in peninsular India.
Discarding the Air Defence Command (ADC) The original proposal for an Air Defence Command (ADC) has been discarded. The Indian Air Force (IAF) argued against a standalone ADC, citing interdependence between air defence and offensive air missions. Dividing limited air assets among different theatre commands was deemed operationally unwise.
Operational Flexibility and Collaboration among Services Air assets will not be owned by a specific theatre command but will shift based on the contingency faced. Efforts are underway to foster collaboration and a sense of working together among the Army, Navy, and IAF.
Cross-Staffing Initiative to Foster Collaboration A group of officers from the Army, IAF, and Navy have been cross-posted to other services. This initiative aims to promote collaboration in areas of commonality, such as equipment and technology.
Synergizing Appraisal System for Tri-Service Appointments Steps is being taken to introduce common annual confidential reports for two and three-star generals across the armed forces. This move aims to streamline the appraisal system and enhance coordination for tri-Service appointments.
India's Current Unified and Single-Service Commands India currently has two unified commands: the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Strategic Forces Command. Additionally, there are 17 single-Service commands (Army 7, IAF 7, and Navy 3).
3. China's Model
Enhancing Offensive Capabilities China reorganized its People's Liberation Army into five theatre commands in 2016. India's efforts to establish theatre commands reflect a similar intention to enhance offensive capabilities and command-and-control structures.
4. Streamlining Military Operations
Enhancing Coordination and Efficiency The establishment of theatre commands aims to streamline military operations in a rapidly evolving security landscape. The goal is to enhance coordination and efficiency among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
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For Prelims: Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, China, Integrated Theatre commands, Pakistan, Air Defence Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Strategic Forces Command,
For Mains:
1. Assess the implications of the establishment of theatre commands on India's national security. Analyze the potential impact on regional stability. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (INOS): (UPSC 2017)
1. Inaugural INOS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region,
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
2. Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently? (UPSC 2016)
A. Amphibious warfare ship
B. Nuclear-powered submarine
C. Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
D. Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Answer: C
3. Consider the following countries: (UPSC 2015)
1. China
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan
Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1, 3, 4 and 5 only C. 2, 4 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: A
4. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2022)
Country Important reason for being in the news recently
1. Chad Setting up of permanent military base by China
2. Guinea Suspension of Constitution and Government by military
3. Lebanon Severe and prolonged economic depression
4. Tunisia Suspension of Parliament by President
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. Only one pair B. Only two pair C. Only three pair D. All four pairs
Answer: C
5. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
Which of the above statement is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
6. Consider the following countries: (UPSC 2022)
1. Azerbaijan
2. Kyrgyzstan
3. Tajikistan
4. Turkmenistan
5. Uzbekistan
Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan?
A. 1, 2 and 5 only B. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only C. 3, 4 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: C
7. Which one of the following best describes the Andaman & Nicobar Island Command? (UPSC CAPF 2015)
A. A cyber security command
B. A unified command comprising Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard
C. A unified command comprising Navy and the Coast Guard
D. One of the commands of the Indian Navy
Answer:B
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