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
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]
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]
