India Appoints Integrated Defense Chief

India’s three armed forces now come under the purview of a single Chief of the Defence Staff, whose aim is to streamline logistics and operational assets.

The first AH-64E Apache Guardian for the Indian Air Force made its first flight in July 2018, and 16 are now in service. Whether the Army gets to fly the type as well is a question for India's new CDS to resolve. (Photo: Boeing)

By Neelam Mathews

January 7, 2020

Following a delay of nearly two decades, the restructuring of the Indian military services is finally underway with the appointment of the first (integrated) Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). Taking up his new post on December 31 was the former 27th Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat. He will head the newly created Department of Military Affairs in the Ministry of Defence. According to an MoD statement, the department will “ensure the facilitation of the restructuring of military commands for optimal utilization of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint theater commands.” A proposal to create an Air Defense Command within the Indian Air Force (IAF) is to be submitted by June 30.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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