Differing opinions on India's proposed theaterisation plan were observed at Ran Samwad 2025.
What is Theaterisation?
- Theaterisation is a plan to integrate resources of the Army, Navy, and Air Force into specific geographical commands under a single, unified command structure.
- It represents India's biggest post-Independence military restructuring, aiming to move away from the current system of 17 service-specific commands.
- The Chief of Defence Staff , that heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is mandated for establishment of joint/theatre commands.
Challenges with Theaterisation:
- IAF Reservations: Fearing the division of scarce combat assets would compromise its core doctrine and operational flexibility.
- India-Specific Model: There is caution against "blindly following" foreign models like the US, emphasizing the need for an India-specific solution tailored to its unique threats and requirements.
- Structural Disruption: Dismantling existing command structures is seen as a potentially disruptive impact on combat readiness during transition.
- Domain Knowledge & Command: Concerns exist regarding a theatre commander from one service effectively commanding and understanding the intricacies of another service's assets, particularly air power.
- Cost and Industrial Base: Skepticism about huge expenditure with doubtful returns and the absence of a robust domestic military-industrial complex.
