Strategic Forces Command (SFC)

Definition

The tri-service command responsible for the management, custody and operational delivery of India's nuclear weapons and strategic (nuclear-capable) missiles, functioning under the Nuclear Command Authority.

Key points

• The SFC was created in 2003 along with the formal Nuclear Command Authority; it is one of India's two tri-service operational commands (the other being the Andaman and Nicobar Command).
• It is headed by a Commander-in-Chief who is a three-star officer drawn from one of the three services on rotation, and it reports through the Nuclear Command Authority.
• The Nuclear Command Authority has a Political Council (chaired by the Prime Minister), which alone can authorise the use of nuclear weapons, and an Executive Council (chaired by the National Security Adviser); the SFC is the executing arm.
• The SFC controls land-based ballistic missiles (the Agni and Prithvi families), and works with the Navy and Air Force on the air and sea legs of the nuclear triad (for example the Arihant-class submarines for the sea-based deterrent).
• It operationalises India's declared posture of credible minimum deterrence and "no first use".

Why it matters for CAPF

The SFC is the operational custodian of the nuclear deterrent; its 2003 creation, its tri-service nature, and its place under the Nuclear Command Authority are core strategic-affairs facts.

Common confusion

The SFC executes nuclear delivery; it does not decide on use. The decision to launch rests with the Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority, chaired by the Prime Minister. The SFC and the Andaman and Nicobar Command are the only tri-service commands at present.

Related concepts

concept no first use policy, concept credible minimum deterrence, concept second strike capability, concept tri service theatre commands

Parent note

indias space and missile programme