First MQ-9 drone visuals of Indian Armed Forces' reveal efforts towards theaterisation

India’s MQ-9 finally made a real-time appearance a few months before its lease officially ends on September 2. However, this holds more significance than one might think. The image symbolises the efforts made by the Indian Armed Forces to truly become an integrated force via the pursuit of ‘Jointness.’

MQ-9 made a cameo appearance in the Indian Army’s Northern Command’s video posted on X, formerly Twitter, in which the army states, "A nation's ability to fight a modern war is as good as its technological ability."

Indian Navy's leased MQ-9 drone. | Image: X @NorthernComd_IA

The ‘advanced’ surveillance, command and combat systems

The video features BFSR Short Range (BFSR-SR) radar, a man-portable 2D short-range battlefield and perimeter surveillance system, Long-range surveillance systems like the TASL Rajak and a ruggedized laptop in command units, which seem to be part of the Army’s Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS). The Weapons Integrated version of the Advanced Light Helicopter’s weapons system integrated version, Rudra, is also shown firing an Anti-Tank missile, along with other modern approaches that India army has been initiating like augmented and virtual reality training and combat simulations. Pechora S-125 air defence systems also gets an feature.

Demonstrating 'Jointness' in action

Within the video, several instances demonstrate and substantiate the notion of 'Jointness.' One example from there displays a Chinook carrying an M777 lightweight howitzer. Now, here comes the interesting bit showcasing the Army's aerial assets. The first drone featured was the generic Searcher which has always been part of the Army's reconnaissance apparatus. Subsequently, an American Iron Bird, a variant of the MQ-9 Reaper drone, presumably one of the two leased by the Navy back in 2020, during the peak of the Galwan crisis, also made an appearance. India is slated to procure more than 30 MQ-9B Reaper drones. The current ones operated by the Navy are not armed, but the 30 to be procured will be armed. According to previous reports, the Navy also intends to extend the lease of the current couple it operates, which is about to end in 2024.

Although asset sharing has taken place before, for example when the P-8I Poseidon aircraft of the Navy were deployed on ISTAR (Intelligence-surveillance-target acquisition, and reconnaissance) missions to track Chinese movement along the Line of Actual Control during the Ladakh standoff, this is a bit different, as the armed forces are more proactive now in streamlining the command structure than ever before.

Theaterisation: A transformative process towards Tri-Services integration

In a recent event, the two-day Tri-Services Commanders' Conference 23 took place, with General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), presiding. This conference was hosted by the Western Naval Command (WNC) in Mumbai. During the conference, there were in-depth discussions and extensive deliberations focused on the concepts of Jointness and Integration within the context of both the present security landscape and the anticipated future security scenarios.

Gen Chauhan also stated during DRDO’s director conclave that the Indian Armed Forces are undergoing a transformative process known as "theaterisation." Subsequently, in a Defence Ministry release, it was noted that the initiative prioritises technological superiority and jointness to effectively address emerging global challenges. General Chauhan emphasises that theaterisation involves creating tri-service theatre-specific structures to enhance India's response capabilities across various conflict scenarios, aiming for a significant boost in overall defence capabilities. In his words, "It is one of the most ambitious changes with far-reaching implications attempted post-independence. The start of this journey depends on taking the right steps towards jointness and integration."

Army starts cross-posting

The Indian Army had already initiated cross-postings of up to 40 officers to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy in June, as previously reported by the Republic. This move aimed to integrate the Indian Tri-services and enhance capabilities. The report further highlighted roles such as UAV handling, logistics, recovery, repair, and supplies management that were among those suitable for cross-postings due to shared equipment and systems across the armed forces.

Efforts towards Jointness and Integration were further reinforced by the passing of the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill in 2023. According to  officials, "The  Bill would pave the way for much greater integration and jointness among the three Services, laying a strong foundation for the creation of Joint Structures in times to come and further improving the functioning of the Armed Forces."