The new theatre commands.

A broad overview of the structural revamp, that is in the offing, to best utilise India's military resources. 

1. AIR DEFENCE COMMAND

What it will do. Control the air defence resources of all the three services and will be tasked with protecting military assets from airborne enemies.

Roll-out. April.

Headquarters. Prayagraj.

Headed by. Its commander-in-chief will be a top three-star IAF officer.

Why it is important. The synergy between the military's air assets will provide seamless air defence cover which will be critical to counter the Chinese and Pakistani threat.

2. MARITIME THEATRE COMMAND

What it will do. Responsible for securing India from seaborne threats and will have army and air force elements under it.

Roll-out. May.

Headquarters. Karwar.

Headed by. Its commander-in-chief will be a top three-star Indian Navy officer.

Why it is important. India's geographical advantage will be an asset in deterring China in the Indian Ocean.

3. Operational Control

The operational control of all the theatre commands will come under the CDS, with the service chiefs being responsible for raising, training and sustaining forces. Department of military affairs may be restructured later to allow CDS to focus on theatre commands.

4. Why is jointmanship important?

The CDS is expected to bring about jointness among the three services by Jan 2023. This includes bringing jointness in operations, logistics, transport, training, support services and repairs and maintenance of the three services.

In the works.

India is expected to have three other integrated commands to secure its western, northern and eastern fronts - these will be rolled out by Dec 2022. A logistics command is also in the works.

- HT.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Hameed came by and we went across to the clock shop to fetch the clock that we'd ordered. The specific piece is yet to come back after repairs; it might take another week.