| Maritime Theatre Command | |
|---|---|
| Country |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Armed Forces |
| Type | Integrated tri-services command |
| Role |
|
| Headquarters | Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala |
Maritime Theatre Command (MTC), previously referred to asPeninsular Command, is a proposedintegrated tri-services command of theIndian 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 theChief of Defence Staff (CDS).[3][4]
In 2001, theAndaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) was raised as a planned precursor to the MTC. According toIndia 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]
As reported by theHindustan Times on 2 February 2025, the three proposed theatre commands is expected to be established before the tenure ofGeneralAnil Chauhan ends as theChief of Defence Staff in 30 May 2026. The next step is a note to theCabinet Committee on Security, led by thePrime Minister for final approval. Meanwhile, theDefence Minister has cleared the concept in-principle, theNational Security Advisor has examined the proposal and the three service chiefs and the CDS have signed the documents for their approvals. The Prime Minister has already given his support and explained the necessity to establish the structure during theCombined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata in September 2025.[7]
The MTC may be headquartered atThiruvananthapuram. The commander of the MTC may be avice-admiral from the Indian Navy.[8] The MTC will incorporate theAndaman and Nicobar Command, theWestern Naval Command, theEastern Naval Command, and may be given the command and control of theIndian Coast Guard. The command may become operational by 2022.[9]
Around two amphibious brigades under theReorganised Amphibious Formation (RAMFOR) of the Indian Army, consisting of around 12,000 soldiers, will be placed under the MTC. These brigades are stationed atPort Blair andThiruvananthapuram respectively. Moreover, Indian Air Force fighter aircraft includingSu-30MKIs,Tejas andJaguars will be placed under MTC's command.[1]
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