Of Matters Military : Modernisation Travails

A defence acquisition system is a management process by which a nation provides effective affordable and timely defence equipment to its armed forces. The book traces the evolution of Indias defence acquisition system; faults disjointed functioning for its failure to deliver; and suggests the creation of an independent authority to administer coordinate oversee direct and control multifarious acquisition activities. India has failed to appreciate that procurement of defence equipment is a highly specialised and complex activity needing unique professional skills and attributes. The book recommends a criteria-based selection of acquisition staff pre-induction training and sufficiently long tenures. Qualitative requirements field trials and staff evaluation are central to the selection of equipment for procurement. Highlighting existing infirmities the author proposes innovative measures to rationalise the procedure. As numerous uncertainties afflict every acquisition activity the book recommends that a risk management plan be prepared at the outset to obviate need for crisis management at a subsequent stage.