mumbai-set-to-pioneer-india-s-first-tri-service-common-defence-station

The Indian Armed Forces are on the brink of a monumental transformation, with plans underway to establish Mumbai as the nation's inaugural "tri-service common defence station" for the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF).

 

This pioneering initiative seeks to bolster collaboration among the three branches in anticipation of the formation of integrated theatre commands.

High-level discussions are currently underway within the upper echelons of the military hierarchy, with a decision expected imminently, according to sources familiar with the matter.

India presently lacks any common defence stations, making the proposed establishment in Mumbai a groundbreaking endeavour.

 

While the Andaman and Nicobar Command, established in 2001, stands as a tri-service exception, efforts to enhance jointness among the services, including inter-service postings, were initiated last year.

The envisioned common defence station in Mumbai will entail the amalgamation of all Army, Navy, and IAF facilities, covering logistics, infrastructure, repair and maintenance, as well as stores and supplies.

This consolidation aims to optimize resources and operate under a unified lead service, with the Navy poised to assume this pivotal role in Mumbai, given its significant presence in the region.

Presently, disparate wings of the three services operate independently across Mumbai and its vicinity.

Under the proposed plan, logistics, infrastructure, and administration will be streamlined under a unified chain of command.

 

For instance, the Navy's INS Hamla and INS Karanja, responsible for logistics training and armament depot functions respectively, will be integrated with the Army's ordnance depot, training areas, air defence regiment, and IAF units for collective utilization by all three services.

 

An official highlighted that this integration will enable shared resources among the services, encompassing infrastructure, training facilities, medical services, and repair and maintenance facilities.

 

Furthermore, the initiative aims to optimise resources, streamline management, and mitigate duplication of efforts by establishing a unified system for fund allocation and service delivery.

 

Mumbai is poised to emerge as the inaugural common defence station, with Sulur (near Coimbatore) and Guwahati identified as potential locations for subsequent stations.

 

Sulur is anticipated to be led by the IAF, while the Army is likely to spearhead the Guwahati station.