Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) is a unified military structure wherein assets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force operate under a single commander for a defined geographical area or domain. The aim is to enhance jointness, synergy, and combat effectiveness by overcoming the silo-based approach of 19 existing service-specific commands.
Need for Theatre Commands:
- Operational Effectiveness: Ensures integrated land–air–sea operations; reduces duplication.
- Two-Front Threat: A China–Pakistan nexus requires unified strategy. China already operates a Western Theatre Command along the India border.
- Global Practice: US, Russia, and China follow theatre model successfully.
- Cost Efficiency: Rationalised procurement reduces redundancy; e.g., duplication in Apache helicopter purchases by Army and IAF.
- Existing ITC’s in India:
- Andaman & Nicobar Command (2001): India’s first tri-service command.
- Strategic Forces Command (2003): manages nuclear arsenal.
Challenges in Implementation:
- Inter-Service Rivalry: IAF fears reduction to a “support arm”; Army dominance concerns.
- Resource Gaps: IAF operates 31 squadrons vs sanctioned strength of 42. Navy’s constrained budget also caps maritime command expansion.
- Absence of Unified Doctrine: No joint war-fighting strategy; divergent service cultures.
- Career & Hierarchy Issues: Concerns over command equivalence, promotions, and career progression.
- Infrastructure Deficit: Border infrastructure underdeveloped, especially in Northern theatre.
- Technological Shortfalls: Weak integration of C4ISR, cyber, and space capabilities.
- Lack of National Security Strategy (NSS): No overarching framework to guide theatreisation.
- Operational Relevance: Critics argue ITCs focus on conventional wars, while India faces growing sub-conventional threats (terrorism, cyber warfare).
Way Forward:
- Unified Military Doctrine under CDS leadership to guide integration.
- Phased Implementation: Pilot projects in air defence/maritime domain before full rollout.
- Modernise C4ISR: Secure, indigenous networks for real-time coordination.
- Joint Training Ecosystem: A National Tri-Service War College for leadership grooming.
- Parliamentary Oversight: Standing Committee on Theatreisation with military experts.
- Indigenous Capability Building: Fast-track procurement & indigenous R&D to support ITCs.
- Inclusive Command Appointments: Talent-based leadership rather than service-loyalty.
Conclusion:
Integrated Theatre Commands are a long-pending reform that can transform India’s military into a cohesive and modern fighting force. With phased, consensus-driven implementation, ITCs can become the cornerstone of India’s response to the 21st-century two-front and multi-domain warfare.
‘+1’ Value addition:
- Kargil Review Committee (1999): Recommended CDS & integrated theatre commands for jointness after coordination failures in Kargil War.
- Naresh Chandra Task Force (2012): Proposed permanent chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee.
- Shekatkar Committee (2016): Recommended 3 ITCs (Western, Northern, Southern) for efficiency & synergy.
- China’s Western Theatre Command: Oversees entire India border, showcasing effectiveness of unified command.
- USA’s Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM): Manages largest area of responsibility in the world.
- Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Act, 2023: Empowers ITC commanders with disciplinary powers across services.
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