In a single stroke, the Narendra Modi administration has underscored its seriousness in taking indigenisation of military hardware to the next level, and signalled its intent to end the drought in military procurement, which had begun to affect defence preparedness. At a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley last week, several decisions were taken to unclog the flow of equipment and technology to the three services. A thrust to produce domestically advanced weaponry was imparted by the decision to scrap the tendering process for the import of 197 light utility helicopters, eliminating the European Eurocopter and the Russian Kamov from contention. The tainted pitch by AgustaWestland for these choppers had boomeranged. Instead of seeking foreign suppliers, the DAC decided to go for 400 indigenously manufactured helicopters, which would become the lifeline for troops deployed on harsh border terrain. Despite initial hiccups, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is producing the Advanced Light Helicopter, gaining experience that would come in handy in the new undertaking. The DAC directive could boost the Indian military aviation industry, which would do well to develop collaborative frameworks to absorb foreign technology to ensure quality, and reduce production time-frames.
The Defence Minister has also injected fresh energy into the indigenous Arjun project by clearing the way for the induction of 118 of the tanks. Simultaneously, the DAC cleared the production of Self Propelled (SP) guns mounted on the chassis of an Arjun tank. The move reveals a proactive doctrinal preference for swift battles, powered by mechanised forces, which would be especially relevant in the desert border zones in and around Rajasthan. The meeting also paid much-needed attention to India’s ailing submarine arm by clearing a mid-life upgrade of six submarines. The clear message that emerges from the decisions is that India is ready to work with western partners, including the United States, provided a pure buyer-seller relationship is jettisoned in preference to joint production partnerships. Consequently, it is likely that the joint production of Javelin missiles will be on the agenda of Indo-U.S. defence ties. While the government seems to be firmly setting out the ground rules of procurement, it is important that the Modi administration walks the talk. Over the years many reports have emerged about dubious but politically well-connected agents involved in greasing their way through lucrative defence deals. Mr. Jaitley and his team now have a fine chance to clean up and impart much-needed transparency to the system of military procurement.