Vigilance needed in Kerala coast; Maritime Theatre Command likely in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram is being considered for the Maritime Theater Command, which coordinates all three services of the country to confront threats from the sea and retaliate with great force. The talks come amidst the constant threat of attack from neighbouring countries. The goal is to provide complete security in the southern region as well. The chief of command will be a three-star rank Vice Admiral. The official announcement will be made by the Ministry of Defence.

This includes consideration of the Vizhinjam port, space research institutions including VSSC, the country's strategic border area, and proximity to international shipping lanes within 10 nautical miles.

The recent combined response of all three services against Pakistan was effective. Putting all three services under one command is expected to bring more efficiency. The war preparations of all three services will be in place.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Coast Guard had recently visited the capital city. The Joint Chiefs of Staff General Anil Chauhan, after visiting Thiruvananthapuram in February, doubled down on the need for vigilance in Kerala's strategic maritime area and to ensure coordination between the Air Force and the Navy.

The Air Force-led theatre command will be based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to counter the threat from Pakistan. The Army-led command is likely to be based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to counter the threat from China. The commands will be overseen by senior officers from all three services.

Existing Army centres in Thiruvananthapuram:

🔸Southern Air Force Headquarters

🔸Pangode Army Station

🔸Coast Guard at Vizhinjam

🔸BSF at Muttathara

🔸CISF Unit

🔸CRPF at Pallipuram

The Central government had approved the setting up of a naval sub-base in the capital in June. It is on a four-acre plot near the airport. A separate wharf for the navy is also under consideration at the Vizhinjam port. A Coast Guard air enclave is also coming up near the domestic airport.