CDS General Anil Chauhan to Submit Theaterisation Plan to Defence Ministry
Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan has disclosed that the much-anticipated theaterisation proposal of the Indian Armed Forces is nearing completion and is expected to be presented to the Ministry of Defence within a week.
During the Ran Samvad event in Bengaluru, General Chauhan commented that the proposal, regarded as a significant military reform since India’s Independence, is prepared by the armed forces and will soon be forwarded for government approval.
‘Operation Tiranga’ Nears Completion
General Chauhan detailed that the process has been internally labeled “Operation Tiranga,” involving substantial discussions among the three military services and the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
“From our side, it is done. Now we have to move it to the Defence Minister and then to the Cabinet Committee on Security,” stated General Chauhan, mentioning that the report would be submitted in “a week or so.”
Three Theatre Commands Planned
The theaterisation model suggests establishing three integrated theatre commands:
| Theatre | Command |
|---|---|
| Western Theatre (Pakistan front) | Indian Air Force |
| Northern Theatre (China front) | Indian Army |
| Maritime Theatre | Indian Navy |
Each theatre will feature a Deputy Commander from another service branch to ensure joint coordination and inter-service collaboration.
Vice CDS Post and Command Structure
The proposal also suggests creating a Vice Chief of Defence Staff position, a four-star officer who will handle operational matters in cooperation with the CDS and service chiefs.
Though there is general agreement among the services on the concept, General Chauhan noted that minor differences exist concerning its implementation, particularly regarding the pace and sequencing.
Air Assets to Remain Centrally Controlled
A significant element of the proposal is that strategic air assets such as refuellers, transport aircraft, AWACS, and future space-based systems will remain under the Air Headquarters' control, even after theaterisation.
This measure aims to address concerns from the Indian Air Force about the effective use of limited high-value assets.
Next Steps
Upon submission, the proposal will undergo review by the Ministry of Defence and might be adjusted before being presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval.
General Chauhan, whose tenure has been extended until May 2026 to oversee this reform, is anticipated to play a crucial role in finalising the blueprint before retiring.
A Transformational Reform
The theaterisation initiative aims to merge the Army, Navy, and Air Force into unified commands with designated operational duties, thereby enhancing jointness, efficiency, and combat effectiveness.
Upon implementation, it would signify a landmark change in India’s military structure, bringing it in line with global powers like the United States and China.
