Defence Ministry identifies three locations to set up Theatre Commands

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in Parliament that the creation of Theatre Commands is on track, the Defence Ministry has identified three locations as its headquarters.

Senior defence officials informed India Today TV that Lucknow, Jaipur and Thiruvanathapuram have been identified as the headquarters of the new proposed Theatre Commands, even as Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan is working towards implementing over 100 points to enhance integration among the three services.

While the Western Theatre Command at Jaipur will tackle any threat from the Pakistan side, the Northern Theatre Command at Lucknow will tackle threats from the northern side.

Similarly, the Maritime Theatre Command st Thiruvananthapuram will be responsible for tackling both the sea boards along with the island territories.

The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is also working towards creating a joint military culture among the three services who, till now, have their respective force culture in day to day operations.

Over 100 points have been formulated by the DMA to enhance integration and jointness among the forces and some of them are even on the 100-day agenda of the defence ministry.

A number of initiatives, including joint maintenance of helicopters like the Apache attack helicopters, AK-203 assault rifles and other equipment have already been approved.

Different committees have been formed by the DMA to work towards increasing jointness in intelligence gathering, operations and multi-domain war fighting.

The forces will also see the operations divisions becoming unified at the Theatre as well as central headquarters level.