Army, Navy, Air Force to see each other’s stocks in real time: India’s plan

The Triservices Logistics Management Application, or TLMA, is a shared digital system being developed for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its purpose is to replace isolated logistics views with real-time, inter-service visibility of equipment, supplies, and other inventory. This matters because commanders and logisticians can identify available resources across service boundaries.

The key mechanism is integration. Each service’s existing enterprise resource planning software will plug into the TLMA. The application is intended to combine those separate data streams, allowing authorised users to see inventory across the services rather than checking three disconnected systems.

The TLMA is still under development, so the article does not describe a completed nationwide capability. It forms part of a wider programme led by the Department of Military Affairs, alongside a National Defence Codification System and planned joint logistics facilities. Together, these measures are intended to support future theatre commands.

The framework covers three military services: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is designed to connect their separate enterprise resource planning systems through the Triservices Logistics Management Application, creating one shared view of inter-service inventory.

The planned physical network has four named categories: joint logistics nodes, joint ammunition depots, air stores supply parks, and material organisations. The article also records an announcement about three joint military stations, but it does not say these are the total number of planned logistics facilities. The systems and facilities therefore represent different parts of the integration effort.

The programme is not yet complete. The TLMA and PM Gati Shakti Defence Portal remain in development, while the joint facilities are planned in stages. Existing committees and working groups are already coordinating logistics processes among the three services.

India is moving from service-specific logistics towards an integrated defence framework. The article links this effort directly to planned theatre commands, which would require logistics support that crosses Army, Navy, and Air Force boundaries. Shared processes and information can help replace separate service silos.

The planned structure includes the TLMA for inventory visibility, a National Defence Codification System for common item identification, and joint logistics nodes. The PM Gati Shakti Defence Portal is also being developed to align defence logistics with the national logistics policy and the Unified Logistics Interface Platform.

The Department of Military Affairs is leading the move. Joint operations logistics committees, study groups, working groups, and maintenance groups already exist at various levels. Three joint military stations were announced in September 2025, while further depots, supply parks, and material organisations remain planned.

A shared logistics picture could improve readiness by showing where needed equipment, spares, or supplies are available across the three services. Faster access to accurate information may help planners support operations without relying only on separate service stocks. Coordinated logistics could also reduce duplication in procurement and transport.

The TLMA is the main mechanism. It is intended to provide real-time inter-service inventory visibility by connecting each service’s ERP software. AI and machine learning are also being used in limited predictive maintenance applications, which can help identify maintenance needs before failures occur. The proposed common codification system would give items standard names and numbers.

The article does not provide cost estimates or promise specific savings. It does state that joint logistics integration is a strategic imperative and a prime priority. Its likely benefits therefore remain tied to successful implementation of the systems, standards, and facilities still under development.

The Department of Military Affairs is spearheading development of the integrated logistics structure. Its role includes advancing the TLMA, the PM Gati Shakti Defence Portal, common codification, and broader reforms to financial and procurement frameworks for joint logistics.

The Army, Navy, and Air Force currently operate service-specific logistics branches, systems, and ERP software. Those systems are expected to plug into the TLMA, which will create inter-service inventory visibility. The services are also participating in joint operations logistics committees, study groups, working groups, and maintenance working groups that are aligning processes and procedures.

The arrangement is therefore collaborative rather than a completed transfer of all logistics responsibilities to one agency. The department is directing the integration, while the services contribute their existing data, systems, organisations, and expertise. Joint nodes, depots, supply parks, and material organisations are planned as the programme develops.

The proposed Indian framework is similar to the United States Defence Logistics Agency because it seeks joint logistics across the armed services. The article describes the US DLA as a centralised combat logistics support agency for the entire US Department of Defence, covering areas such as fuel, procurement, spare parts, warehousing, standardisation, and supply-chain management.

India’s planned TLMA reflects that integrated idea in digital form. It would connect the Army, Navy, and Air Force ERP systems and provide shared inventory visibility. Common item codes, joint logistics nodes, and coordinated procurement and financial systems would extend integration beyond software.

The important difference is India’s starting point. Its services currently use service-specific logistics organisations and ERP systems. India is still developing the TLMA, portal, codification system, and joint facilities. The US DLA is presented as an operating central agency, while India’s comparable structure remains under construction.

Defence logistics is the system for managing the resources that military forces need to operate. It includes inventory, procurement, fuel, spare parts, storage, transport, maintenance, and supporting information. Operations depend on it because units must know what is available, where it is, and whether it is ready for use.

The article’s planned system addresses each part. TLMA would show inter-service inventories in real time. A National Defence Codification System would give each item one standard name and number. Joint depots and supply parks would support storage, while AI and machine learning are already used in limited predictive maintenance applications.

Accurate data can help prevent shortages, duplicate purchases, and avoidable equipment downtime. Fuel systems and spare-parts management also need common processes across services. India is revising financial and procurement arrangements to support this integration, but many elements remain under development or are only planned.