India’s defence procurement system, despite repeated promises of modernization, remains plagued by delays, bureaucratic red tape, and corruption. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) follows a 12-stage Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) designed to ensure transparency, but in reality, it has become a roadblock to efficiency. With rising regional threats from China and Pakistan, India’s sluggish defence acquisitions threaten national security and operational readiness.
Endless Delays and Bureaucratic Paralysis
India’s defence procurement timeline often stretches far beyond acceptable limits, making equipment outdated by the time it reaches operational forces. The long-delayed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program is a prime example. Initially sanctioned in 1983, the aircraft took 36 years for induction, with the first squadron becoming operational only in 2019. Even today, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) struggles to produce the required 18 aircraft per year, with only 36 Tejas jets delivered so far, despite an order of 123 units.
Similarly, the Integrated Battle Group (IBG) concept, intended to improve India’s rapid deployment capabilities, has seen zero progress in the past four years. The Indian Army’s frustration peaked when the Chief of Army Staff hinted at the possibility of scrapping the project by 2025 if bureaucratic roadblocks persist.
Also See: India’s Defense Sector Faces Mounting Challenges Amid Delays and Corruption
India Falling Behind in the Arms Race
India’s air power is facing an alarming shortfall, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) operating at just 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, envisioned as India’s answer to 5th-generation fighters, is still in the design phase, with the first prototype expected no sooner than 2028. Meanwhile, China has unveiled its 6th-generation fighter, and Pakistan is moving towards acquiring the J-35, a 5th-generation stealth fighter developed by China.
In comparison, Pakistan and China’s joint JF-17 fighter program has been producing 22-24 jets annually, with exports to Nigeria, Myanmar, and Azerbaijan. India, despite its larger economy and industrial base, has failed to position Tejas as a viable competitor in the global market.
HAL’s Struggles: A Symbol of India’s Defence Inefficiency
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s primary aircraft manufacturer, has failed to meet deadlines for multiple projects. Even in 2024, the company is struggling to deliver the Tejas Mk-1A, with production bottlenecks in procuring engines and critical components. The failure to deliver 40 Tejas jets ordered in 2009 underscores India’s manufacturing inefficiencies.
Beyond Tejas, HAL has also struggled with the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and the Sukhoi-30 upgrade program, further eroding confidence in indigenous capabilities. The Bharat Shakti exercise in Rajasthan saw a Tejas crash, raising fresh doubts about the aircraft’s reliability in high-stakes missions.
The Corruption Nexus: Crony Capitalism in Defence Deals
Defence procurement in India has long been marred by corruption. The AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter scam (₹3,600 crore), the Rafale deal controversy (₹59,000 crore), and the Adarsh Housing Scam—where war veterans were denied homes in favor of bureaucrats—expose the deep-seated rot in India’s defence establishment.
India’s overreliance on foreign defence imports contradicts its self-reliance goal. 70% of India’s defence equipment is imported, with Russia accounting for 45%, followed by France and the US. The delay in domestic programs forces India to consider additional orders for Rafale jets or even the F-35, undermining the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.
A Reckoning for India’s Defence Establishment
With China’s defence budget at $230 billion, nearly four times India’s $73 billion, India cannot afford inefficiency in military modernization. If the country does not reform its procurement process, streamline HAL’s manufacturing capabilities, and enforce accountability, its military edge will continue to erode.
India’s ambition to become a global military power is at a critical juncture. The choice is clear: overhaul the broken system or remain dependent on foreign suppliers while adversaries continue their rapid advancements.
SAT Commentaries’ are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for website use. Views are their own.
SAT Commentaries, a collection of insightful social media threads on current events and social issues, featuring diverse perspectives from various authors.
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