Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan has announced that the long-awaited theaterisation proposal of the Indian Armed Forces is in its final stages and will be submitted to the Ministry of Defence within a week.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Ran Samvad event in Bengaluru, Gen Chauhan said that the proposal—considered the most far-reaching military reform since Independence—is ready from the armed forces’ side and will soon move for government approval.
‘Operation Tiranga’ Nears Completion
The CDS revealed that the entire process has been internally termed “Operation Tiranga”, under which extensive discussions were held among the three 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,” Gen Chauhan said, adding that the report will be submitted in “a week or so.”
Three Theatre Commands Planned
The theaterisation model proposes the creation of three integrated theatre commands:
- Western Theatre (Pakistan front) – likely to be led by the Indian Air Force
- Northern Theatre (China front) – expected to be headed by the Indian Army
- Maritime Theatre – to be commanded by the Indian Navy
Each theatre will have a Deputy Commander from another service, ensuring jointness and inter-service coordination.
Vice CDS Post and Command Structure
The proposal also includes the creation of a Vice Chief of Defence Staff (Vice CDS)—a four-star officer who will manage operational matters alongside the CDS and service chiefs.
While there is broad consensus among the services on the concept, Gen Chauhan acknowledged that minor differences remain regarding implementation, particularly in terms of pace and sequencing.
Air Assets to Remain Centrally Controlled
A key aspect of the proposal is that strategic air assets—including refuellers, transport aircraft, AWACS, and future space-based systems—will remain under the control of the Air Headquarters, even after theaterisation.
This approach addresses concerns raised by the Indian Air Force regarding optimal utilisation of limited high-value assets.
Next Steps
Once submitted, the proposal will be reviewed by the Ministry of Defence and may be modified before being placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval.
Gen Chauhan, whose tenure has been extended until May 2026 to oversee this reform, is expected to play a crucial role in finalising the blueprint before his retirement.
A Transformational Reform
The theaterisation initiative aims to integrate the Army, Navy, and Air Force into unified commands with specific operational responsibilities, enhancing jointness, efficiency, and combat effectiveness.
If implemented, it will mark a historic transformation in India’s military structure, aligning it with global powers like the United States and China.
