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Maritime Theatre Command

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Maritime Theatre Command
Country India
Branch Indian Armed Forces
TypeIntegrated tri-services command
Role
  • Command and control of naval assets
  • Coastal defence
HeadquartersThiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Maritime Theatre Command (MTC), previously referred to as Peninsular Command, is a proposed inegrated tri-services command of the Indian Armed Forces whose responsibilities may include the command and control of the entire Indian naval fleet and coastal defence operations. It is envisioned to include assets from all the branches of the Indian military.[1][2]

The commander of the MTC will be a four-star Indian Navy officer (Admiral) who will report to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee headed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).[3][4]

History

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In 2001, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) was raised as a planned precursor to the MTC. According to India Today, this plan could not fructify due to the turf rivalries between the branches of the Indian military and a lack of will in India's political leadership. An Indian military plan published in 2017, the ‘Joint Forces Doctrine’, called for integrated commands like the MTC. The subsequent appointment of the CDS started the process of realising this doctrine. In 2020, a detailed study to implement the MTC was prepared by the Indian Navy.[1]

The MTC will be a first of its kind since it will reduce the powers that the Indian naval chief will have over the naval fleet.[1] In 2024, Thiruvananthapuram is identified as the command base for the Maritime Theatre Command.[5][6]

Overview

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The MTC may be headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram. The commander of the MTC may be a vice-admiral from the Indian Navy.[7] The MTC will incorporate the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Western Naval Command, the Eastern Naval Command, and may be given the command and control of the Indian Coast Guard. The command may become operational by 2022.[8]

Around two amphibious brigades under the Reorganised Amphibious Formation (RAMFOR) of the Indian Army, consisting of around 12,000 soldiers, will be placed under the MTC. These brigades are stationed at Port Blair and Thiruvananthapuram respectively. Moreover, Indian Air Force fighter aircraft including Su-30MKIs, Tejas and Jaguars will be placed under MTC's command.[1]

See also

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Integrated entities
Assets
General concepts

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Unnithan, Sandeep (27 November 2020). "The high seas command". India Today. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  2. ^ "India moves ahead with creation of theatre commands for integrated war-fighting". The Economic Times. 18 June 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  3. ^ Peri, Dinakar (2 September 2024). "Rajnath to be presented recommendations on theatre commands at first JCC". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  4. ^ "India set for its biggest military reform as Integrated Theatre Commands await final govt nod". India Today. 10 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Three Theatre Command bases identified, Military Affairs Dept working to integrate forces for future wars". ANI. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Defence Ministry identifies three locations to set up Theatre Commands". India Today. 4 July 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Unified maritime command will have IAF's strike elements, Army's amphibious units". ThePrint. 11 November 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  8. ^ "Maritime Theatre Command could bring Coast Guard ships under its control". ThePrint. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
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