Having decided to create the post of CDS, the next logical step for the government is to define its charter of duties and responsibilities. The government needs to examine not just the CDS’s role as a single-point military advisor, but also his role in other matters that are equally important in driving critical defence reforms.

• Laxman Kumar Behera
• November 21, 2019
• Comment

The government’s decision to allow the private sector to undertake the development of complex defence equipment is a step in the right direction. It will help forge a larger innovation system to meet the diverse requirements of national security. However, caution may be required to avoid duplication of efforts and prevent indirect import.

• Laxman Kumar Behera
• October 23, 2019
• Comment

The government seems to have little fiscal space for accommodating the demand of the armed forces for additional funds, given its quantum on the one hand and the state of its revenues on the other which are already quite stressed.

• Amit Cowshish
• September 26, 2019
• Comment

The blueprint for the operationalisation of CDS would require intensive deliberation to make sure that no aspect of its implementation is left unaddressed.

• Amit Cowshish
• August 30, 2019
• Comment

As a corporatised entity, the OFB will be in a far better position to respond to the market dynamics and face the competition effectively.

• Laxman Kumar Behera
• August 21, 2019
• Comment

The agile acquisition or C2D2 model currently under adoption by the US for its F-35 aircraft is likely to become a necessity for acquisitions in future, as disruptive defence technologies will continue to affect military systems across the world.

• Atul Pant
• August 06, 2019
• Comment

Even if the Fifteenth Finance Commission manages to make a specific recommendation about the funds to be allocated for defence and internal security and the government accepts the recommendation, there can be no guarantee that the actual allocation will not fall short of the accepted level.

• Amit Cowshish
• July 24, 2019
• Comment

It would be nice to see the defence ministry setting up a task force and submitting actionable recommendations which could be considered by the finance minister while deciding the defence outlay next year.

• Amit Cowshish
• July 10, 2019
• Comment

With the latest Union budget keeping the MoD interim allocation unchanged, the MoD has an uphill task in managing its resources and in funding its modernisation programmes.

• Laxman Kumar Behera
• July 08, 2019
• Issue Brief

Implementing the outlined 27 reform measures in four broad areas – Planning, Defence Budget, Acquisition and Make in India – would strengthen defence preparedness and build a credible defence industrial base.

• Laxman Kumar Behera
• June 06, 2019
• Policy Brief