#DefenseDiaries: Parliamentary panel slams govt. over slow military modernization
The parliamentary standing committee on defense has slammed the Modi government for not doing enough to modernize the military. The Indian military continues to face a critical shortage of weapon systems such as submarines, fighter jets, artillery, and helicopters. It lacks basic armaments such as advanced assault rifles, bullet-proof jackets, and helmets. Meanwhile, the military must counter a "collusive threat" from China and Pakistan.
Armed forces not receiving enough funds for modernization
The committee notes that the Indian military has been allocated a budget of Rs. 2.74 lakh crore. This constitutes just 1.56% of the projected GDP, the lowest such proportion since the 1962 India-China War. Meanwhile, the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force received just 60%, 67% and 54% of the modernization funds they requested this year.
Poor planning by defense ministry leading to unspent modernization funding
The committee has expressed concern that the year-on-year insufficient funding is having an "adverse and cascading effect" on the armed forces' overall operational preparedness. Meanwhile, the defense ministry is making matters worse by underutilizing allocated funds by not spending it. This reflects the ministry's failure to plan the military's modernization drive.
Air Force's squadron strength not replenishing fast enough
The Indian Air Force (IAF) requires 45 fighter jet squadrons (of 18-20 aircraft each) for a two-front war against China and Pakistan. Currently, it has 33 squadrons. However, it's unable to commission new aircraft to keep up with the phasing out of several squadrons of vintage MiG 21 and MiG 27 aircraft. Hence, the IAF is staring at a significant drop in squadron strength.
Panel: "No concrete measures" to counter depleting squadron strength taken
"The issue of depletion in squadron strength has been taken up repeatedly by the committee over the years. However, no concrete measures seem to have been taken," the committee said. The IAF is commissioning 36 Rafale and 120 Tejas warplanes but more are needed.
Navy's submarine arm facing shortages
The Indian Navy is facing a huge shortage of submarines. Currently, it possesses 13 aging conventional diesel-electric submarines. However, the Navy's submarine modernization has received a boost with the recent commissioning of INS Kalvari, the first of six Scorpene-class vessels. Meanwhile, the Navy faces an urgent shortage of 61 multi-role helicopters to operate out of warships to detect, track and destroy enemy submarines.
Army's most basic requirements for bullet-proof jackets, rifles not met
The Indian Army still requires 3.53 lakh bullet-proof jackets and 3.28 helmets. It also needs over two lakh assault rifles to replace the troublesome INSAS rifle. A tender for the acquisition of INSAS replacement was floated in 2011 but still remains unrealized. Indigenously-developed replacements were found 'unreliable.' Meanwhile, for counter-insurgency operations in J&K, Indian troops use the venerable AK-47 and Israeli Tavor rifles.
