Highlights
- The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) programme is facing issues, with just 36 Rafale jets purchased rather than the expected 126, resulting in a decreased squadron strength in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The article expresses concern about the impact of fiscal constraints on defence readiness, particularly with India in election mode and probable defence budget cuts.
- The importance of prudent defence planning and budgeting is emphasised in order to confront challenges on the northern frontiers and strengthen sea power against China.
Key Challenges:
- The recurring issue of funding restrictions affecting defence acquisition and readiness.
- The difference between the Indian Air Force’s required and actual squadron strength.
- Concerns about anticipated defence budget cuts in the midst of election priorities.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program
- Squadron strength
- Budget constraints
- Defense preparedness
- Northern borders
- Sea power
- Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Innovations For Defence Excellence (iDEX)
- Ordnance Factory Board
- Negative lists for imports
Statements and quotes:
- “Mother of all procurements” – The MMRCA programme, which cost roughly $10 billion in 2007.
- During the Kargil conflict, General V.P. Malik said, “We will fight with what we have.”
- “You go to war with what you have, not what you want” – From the War on the Rocks article, emphasising the importance of the existing industrial base.
Examples and resources:
- The procurement of 36 Rafale jets rather than the 126 required under the MMRCA programme.
- The Indian Air Force currently has a squadron strength shortfall of 32.
- The Global Innovation Index 2022 highlights India’s low investment in research and development.
Facts and figures:
- Defence spending in India has fallen from roughly 16.4% of total government spending in 2012-13 to 13.3% in 2022-23.
- The Ministry of Defence requested 1,76,346 crore for capital acquisitions in 2023-24, but only 1,62,600 crore was allocated, resulting in a 13,746 crore gap.
- In 2022, China will spend $421 billion on research and development, or 2.54% of its GDP.
Critical Analysis:
- The paper emphasises the difficulties in combining electoral imperatives with national security concerns in defence budget distribution.
- It emphasises the importance of striking a careful balance between imports and indigenous contributions in order to achieve technical modernization.
- Concerns highlighted concerning the extended gestation period for indigenization projects and the need for policymakers to maintain pace.
Way Forward:
- Emphasises the significance of bipartisanship in making defence budgeting election-proof.
- To address national security imperatives, advocates for a continuity in policymaking and adequate defence budgeting.
- The importance of maintaining momentum in the Atmanirbhar Bharat push and other indigenization activities is emphasised.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-defence-budgeting-and-the-point-of-deterrence/article67659048.ece#:~:text=India's%20defence%20Budget%2C%20in%20real,13.3%25%20in%202022%2D23.