Minister stressed upon the significance of evolving a joint military vision to further enhance integration and synergy among the three Services, hence the creation of functional Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs).
- He also called upon for development in space and electronic warfare, with focus on increasing the use of latest advancements in AI.
About ITCs
- ITCs is the integration of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force to operate jointly in specific adversary-based theatres with defined military goals during a limited conflict or war.
- It has been proposed by both the Kargil review committee as well as D B Shekatkar committee earlier.
- It would involve raising the China-centric northern theatre command in Lucknow, Pakistan-centric western theatre command in Jaipur, and maritime theatre command in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Presently, the armed forces have 17 single-service commands (Army and Air Force: 7 each, Navy: 3)
Significance of ITCs
- Air, navy, and land forces all operate synergistically under one operational command.
- Separate the ‘operational’ functions from the other administrative functions.
- Adapt the contours of future warfare and conduct of effect-based operations.
Challenges: Lack of national security doctrine towards jointness of services; absence of a common command, etc.
Initiatives taken towards Theaterisation
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