India’s Biggest Military Reform: Contours Of Theatre Commands Finalised, Proposal To Be Sent To Government Soon

The final shape has been given to the contours of India’s biggest military reforms, which involve creating theatre commands that integrate all elements such as cyber, space, land, air, and sea forces.

The proposal is likely to be soon sent to the government for approval, The Tribune reported citing sources.

The Department of Military Affairs, led by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, will initiate the process to seek government approval for these reforms.

General Chauhan on Tuesday (21 May) provided details about the reform plan during the 22nd Major General Samir Sinha memorial lecture at the United Service Institution, a think-tank supported by the Ministry of Defence in the national capital.

The plan, which aims to run in three demarcated timelines until 2047, addresses technological changes, the evolving nature of warfare, and the integration of the three armed forces' capabilities.

“Having theatre commands is just the beginning of a long-term plan aimed at having a future-ready force capable of multi-domain operations,” said General Chauhan.

He explained that the reforms would include integrating space and cyber operations with the current domains of air, land, and sea warfare.

General Chauhan revealed that he and the service chiefs had resolved their differences on the reforms through behind-the-scene intensive brainstorming sessions codenamed "Operation Tiranga." These sessions involved 11 meetings, each lasting three to four hours.

The reform plan entails a three-stage process that includes among other things self-reliance, adapting to technological advancements, and defining integration.

The CDS emphasized that technology is changing the nature of warfare and that the current world order is in flux. He noted that theatre commands could not operate effectively without jointness and integration.

The plan entails a three-stage process that includes among other things self-reliance, adapting to technology and defining what is integration.

The CDS emphasised that technology is changing the nature of warfare and that the current world order is in flux.

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