India’s Theatre Command Plans Face Military Readiness Challenges
India’s plans to establish Integrated Theatre Commands are facing questions over military readiness, equipment shortages and the ability of its three armed services to support the proposed restructuring.
The initiative aims to bring the Army, Air Force and Navy under joint operational commands to improve coordination and streamline military planning. However, concerns have emerged over whether existing capabilities are sufficient to support the new command structure.
The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act was introduced in India’s Lok Sabha in March 2023. It was passed later that year and received presidential approval in August 2023. The law came into effect in May 2024, while related rules were notified in May 2025.
By early 2026, India’s Chief of Defence Staff had submitted recommendations for three proposed theatre commands — Northern, Western and Maritime. A Joint Operations Centre was also being prepared as part of the broader restructuring process.
Air Force Faces Fighter Squadron Shortfall
One of the major challenges concerns the Indian Air Force (IAF), which reportedly had 29 fighter squadrons as of April 2026. This remains below its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.
The IAF’s fleet includes Russian-built Su-30MKIs, French Rafales, MiG-29s and domestically produced Tejas aircraft. India has also approved additional fighter procurement and placed orders for Tejas Mk1A aircraft as part of efforts to expand its combat fleet.
The force is expected to increase its number of fighter squadrons over the coming years, although reaching its long-term targets will depend on aircraft production, deliveries and procurement programmes.
The proposed theatre structure has also raised concerns within the IAF about dividing limited air assets between different commands. Air power can be moved between regions relatively quickly, and officials have reportedly raised concerns that permanently allocating aircraft to separate commands could reduce this flexibility.
Army Modernisation Remains a Challenge
The Indian Army is also dealing with equipment and manpower requirements.
Some infantry and artillery units continue to use older systems, while several modernisation programmes have experienced delays. Requirements include long-range precision weapons, improved air-defence systems and additional equipment for operations in mountainous areas.
Infrastructure and logistics along the Line of Actual Control with China have also remained important priorities following tensions between the two countries in recent years.
Navy Faces Fleet Expansion Requirements
The Indian Navy is another key part of the proposed restructuring.
India currently operates aircraft carriers including INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, although the newer carrier has faced delays in reaching full operational capability.
The Navy is also seeking to expand its submarine fleet and other surface combatants. Ageing vessels, construction timelines and budget requirements remain factors affecting the pace of naval modernisation.
These issues are particularly significant for India’s plans for a Maritime Theatre Command, which would be responsible for coordinating naval and other military capabilities across a large area of the Indian Ocean region.
Questions Over Implementation
The proposed theatre commands are intended to improve coordination between India’s armed services, but the restructuring has also generated differences over operational control and the allocation of military assets.
The Air Force has concerns about dividing its aircraft among multiple commands, while the Army and Navy have their own requirements regarding command structures and the availability of specialised capabilities.
India has continued to pursue joint military reforms since the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff position in 2020. The government has also introduced measures intended to strengthen coordination between the services.
However, procurement delays, equipment shortages, budget constraints and the complexity of managing platforms from multiple manufacturers remain challenges.
The effectiveness of the Integrated Theatre Command system will therefore depend not only on organisational changes but also on India’s ability to expand military capabilities, modernise equipment and improve coordination among the three services.
