By Rohit Srivastava

 

India may well see another tri-service command very soon. Following the creation of Special Force, Cyber and Space Command, the office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has started working on a proposal for creating Air Defence Command (ADC). 

India’s newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, on Wednesday, “directed that a proposal to create Air Defence Command be prepared by June 30, 2020.”

“He also set out priorities for the execution of synergy by June 30 and December 31, 2020,” a government statement said.

The instruction was given in his first meeting with various branch heads of integrated defence staff.

The air defence wings of three services have common air defence systems and they operate in close vicinity especially the Army and Air Force. Their integration will improve operational, logistic and financial efficiency.

During the meeting, Gen Rawat emphasised on “collegiate system of functioning” and optimum utilisation of resources.

He also “directed that all three services and Coast Guard must be consulted and their views obtained in a time-bound manner.”

One of the focus areas of the meeting was to identify areas where jointness and synergy can be achieved. Creation of common logistics support pools in stations where two or more services are present was discussed.

The CDS is responsible for all tri-service matters including, logistic, procurement, training institutions, tri-service commands etc.

On Monday Former Army Chief Gen Rawat was appointed India’s first CDS and assumed charge on Wednesday.

He also directed that “efforts will be made to cut out infructuous ceremonial activities, which are manpower intensive.”