'Complex issues must be addressed before rolling out theatre commands'

The defence ministry told a parliamentary panel a raft of complex issues must be addressed before rolling out integrated theatre commands as they have a direct bearing on the proposed force structure, calling it "a trailblazing reform."

- Rahul Singh

NEW DELHI:

The ministry's response to a pointed question on theaterisation was part of a new report tabled by the standing committee on defence in Parliament on Monday.

"Deliberations on reorganizing the Armed Forces into Integrated Theatre Commands are in progress and currently being examined at various levels before finalisation of an optimal organisational structure to meet the operational requirements," the report said.

The setting up of integrated theatre commands for the best use of the military's resources to fight future wars, new domains such as cyber and space, and simpler weapons buying procedures are in sharp focus as the defence ministry has declared 2025 as the "year of reforms" aimed at modernising the armed forces to tackle new challenges.