Why is theaterisation of the armed forces considered important, and what lessons can be learned from recent operations?

Theaterisation of the armed forces refers to the integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under unified commands, each responsible for a specific geographical area or “theatre” of operations. This model aims to enhance jointness, synergy, and operational efficiency in modern warfare, where multi-domain challenges are increasingly common.

Importance of Theaterisation:
• Improved Coordination: Theater commands enable seamless coordination among the three services, reducing duplication and confusion during operations.
• Optimal Resource Utilisation: Resources like weapons, logistics, and intelligence can be shared and allocated efficiently based on real-time needs within a theatre.
• Faster Decision-Making: Unified command structure allows for quicker and more flexible responses to dynamic battlefield situations.
• Enhanced Joint Planning: Theaterisation promotes integrated planning and execution, ensuring all services work towards a common objective.
• Better Preparedness for Modern Threats: Hybrid and multi-domain threats (land, air, sea, cyber, space) require coordinated responses, which theaterisation facilitates.

Lessons from Recent Operations:
• Need for Interoperability: Recent border stand-offs and maritime challenges have shown that lack of interoperability can delay or complicate operations.
• Real-time Intelligence Sharing: Operations like Balakot airstrike highlighted the importance of timely intelligence flow between services.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Efficiency: During recent crises, rapid movement and supply of troops and equipment were critical, underlining the need for unified logistics management.
• Unified Command Success: International examples (e.g., US Unified Combatant Commands) show how joint commands can deliver quicker, more decisive outcomes.
• Adaptability to Evolving Threats: Lessons from cyber and space domains indicate that theaterisation must include these new frontiers for comprehensive security.