India moves to create US-style integrated defence logistics network for joint theatre commands

The Union government announced a project to develop an integrated defence logistics framework similar to the US Defence Logistics Agency, aimed at streamlining support for planned theatre commands. Rear Admiral Kunal Singh Rajkumar of the Department of Military Affairs outlined the scheme in a letter to Rajya Sabha MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, who had earlier suggested a unified fuel-management system to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The plan calls for the creation of joint bodies such as the Joint Operations Logistics Committee, Joint Services Study Groups and Inter-service Maintenance Working Groups to harmonise processes across the Army Service Corps, Naval logistics, Air Force maintenance and other service-specific structures. A tri-service logistics management application will provide real-time inventory visibility, while a National Defence Codification System and joint ammunition depots are being planned across the country.

The PM Gati Shakti defence portal will align with the National Logistics Policy and a Unified Logistics Interface Platform, incorporating AI and machine-learning for logistical optimisation. Officials describe the integrated logistics network as a strategic priority for India’s defence posture.