The character of warfare has changed irreversibly. Battles are no longer fought only with tanks, infantry, and fighter jets on clearly defined frontlines. Instead, they unfold across physical, cyber, space, and cognitive domains-often simultaneously. Sudden and unexpected attacks, carried out by machines rather than soldiers, have become the new norm. In this shifting landscape, the Indian Armed Forces face an urgent imperative: theaterisation. Integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under unified theatre commands is no longer a matter of choice but of survival. General Upendra Dwivedi’s recent assertion that “theaterisation will definitely take place” is not merely a vision but a necessity dictated by the realities of modern conflict. The essence of theaterisation lies in removing duplication, ensuring unity of command, and enabling swift decision-making. In an era where threats emerge in seconds and artificial intelligence tools can deliver actionable insights instantly, India cannot afford the luxury of prolonged inter-service consultations or jurisdictional overlaps. Speed, synergy, and precision must define national defence.
The need for integrated theatre commands stems from the very nature of today’s threats. Pakistan continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism while increasingly using drones for smuggling arms and narcotics and even executing strikes. China, meanwhile, has developed formidable cyber, space, and electronic warfare capabilities in addition to its conventional forces. Responding effectively to such multi-domain threats requires unified command structures where information flows seamlessly and responses are coordinated in real time. At present, India’s three services often operate in silos. The Army manages land, the Air Force dominates air, and the Navy secures the seas. While coordination exists, it is episodic and often dependent on personalities rather than institutional structures. In a crisis where drones breach borders, cyberattacks cripple communication, and long-range missiles threaten infrastructure simultaneously, fragmented responses could prove disastrous. Theaterisation offers a clear solution: one commander, plan, and execution.
Drones have emerged as the most disruptive game-changers in contemporary warfare. The Russia-Ukraine conflict provides a stark example, where thousands of drones have been deployed for surveillance, kamikaze attacks, and disruption of logistics. Cheap, expendable, and highly effective, drones can inflict disproportionate damage on high-value assets. Airports, radar systems, refineries, and ammunition depots-all can be neutralised by small, unmanned systems costing a fraction of the target’s value. India has already witnessed the menace of drones along the Pakistan border, where they have been used to drop weapons and narcotics. Operation Sindoor further highlighted Pakistan’s extensive use of unmanned systems. However, drones cannot be viewed in isolation-they are part of a broader transformation in warfare that demands joint doctrines, pooled resources, and unified command.
Transitioning to theaterisation is not without challenges. Divergent views among the services, especially regarding the role of the Air Force, have delayed consensus. But these disagreements must not derail the process. Integration must prioritise cyber, space, and drone warfare units. AI-enabled command centres capable of rapid decision-making should form the backbone of each theatre. Joint training institutions and war-gaming exercises are essential to break service silos. Officers must learn to think and operate beyond their parent service. Simultaneously, indigenous R&D ensures that supply chains remain resilient even during crises. As the Army Chief pointed out, coordination with agencies like ISRO, Civil Aviation, and Railways is vital. Time is of the essence. Warfare no longer waits for committee reports or inter-service deliberations. Attacks can be launched deep inside enemy territory at short notice, and defence must be equally agile. Theatrisation ensures that decisions are taken at the speed of relevance, with no duplication or delay.
India stands at a critical juncture. The nation has recognised the transformative role of drones and the necessity of self-reliance in their development. But technology without structural reform is insufficient. Unified commands are the natural complement to unmanned systems, ensuring that drones, AI, cyber tools, and conventional forces operate under one coordinated umbrella. The sooner India embraces theaterisation, the stronger its deterrence and response capabilities will be. In the battles of tomorrow, victory will belong to the one with the most integrated, agile, and technology-driven command structure.
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