STRATEGIC FORCES COMMAND (SFC)

Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted the successful flight-test of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island along the coast of Odisha on April 03, 2024.

What is Strategic Forces Command (SFC) ?

1. The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), also known as the Strategic Nuclear Command, is a part of India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). Established on January 4, 2003.
2. The SFC is responsible for tIndia's stockpile of tahe management and administration of ctical and strategic nuclear weapons.

Responsibilities of the SFC:

1. Operationalizing NCA Orders:
   1. The SFC is responsible for operationalizing the orders of the NCA under the leadership of a Senior Officer, the Commander-in-Chief.
2. Nuclear Weapon Delivery:
   1. The SFC is responsible for initiating the process of delivering nuclear weapons and warheads, subject to acquiring clear approval from the NCA.
3. Target Selection:
   1. The SFC finalizes the target selection through a calibrated and cumulative process involving various decision making levels including NCA approval.
4. Command and Control:
   1. The SFC exercises full command and control over nuclear assets, ensuring the management and administration of all strategic forces.
5. Contingency Planning:
   1. The SFC is tasked with preparing all contingency plans necessary to carry out essential operations involving nuclear weapons.
6. Operational Readiness:
   1. Since its inception, the SFC has established robust command, control and communication systems, achieving a high state of operational readiness.
7. Personnel:
   1. The SFC comprises officers and personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy on deputation from their respective services.
8. Command Structure:
   1. The Commander-in-Chief, a 3-star general, is appointed by rotation from all three services.

India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA): Key Facts

1. Command, Control, and Decisions:
   • The NCA is responsible for command, control and operational decisions regarding India's nuclear weapons programme.
2. Composition:
   • The NCA consists of a Political Council and an Executive Council.
3. Political Council:
   • The Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) is the sole body that can authorize the use of nuclear weapons in India
   • chaired by the Prime Minister.
4. Executive Council:
   • Chaired by the National Security Advisor.
   • Provides input for decision-making by the NCA and executes directives from the Political Council.