New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently affirmed in Parliament that the creation of Theatre Commands is progressing as planned. The Defence Ministry has designated Lucknow, Jaipur, and Thiruvananthapuram as the headquarters for these commands.

According to senior defence officials, the Western Theatre Command in Jaipur will address threats from Pakistan, the Northern Theatre Command in Lucknow will focus on threats from the northern side, and the Maritime Theatre Command in Thiruvananthapuram will manage the security of both seaboards and island territories.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan is overseeing the implementation of over 100 measures to enhance integration among the three services. The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is also working to foster a joint military culture, moving away from the individual force cultures currently prevalent in day-to-day operations.

Some initiatives, such as the joint maintenance of Apache attack helicopters, AK-203 assault rifles, and other equipment, have already been approved. The DMA has formed various committees to improve jointness in intelligence gathering, operations, and multi-domain warfighting. Additionally, operational divisions will be unified at both the Theatre and central headquarters levels.