Online published on 23 July, 2025.
India has embarked on a process of reorganisation of its national defence structure based on the concept of theaterisation already implemented by several other major military powers. Theaterisation includes appointing a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and integrating assets and resources of the three services under unified regional commands belonging to one of them. However, this organisational reform raises hierarchical precedence issues and has met with opposition, particularly from the Indian Air Force, concerned about the implied dispersal of its personnel and material among various army- and navy-centric regional theatres. Further reflection and debate is needed before this strategic transformation can be fully carried out.
