Introduction
The recent nod from the Defence Ministry for the procurement of military hardware, valued at a staggering Rs 84,560 crore, heralds a pivotal juncture in India's relentless pursuit of bolstering its defence capabilities. Under the stewardship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given its seal of approval to a series of capital acquisition proposals meticulously crafted to fortify the combat prowess of the armed forces.
Key Highlights of the Procurement
At the heart of the approved acquisitions lies the strategic acquisition of medium-range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission maritime aircraft. These sophisticated assets are poised to revolutionize the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, thereby elevating maritime security to unprecedented levels across the vast expanse of India's territorial waters.
In consonance with the overarching principle of 'Atma Nirbharta' (self-reliance), the approved procurements underscore the government's unwavering commitment to sourcing a diverse array of equipment from indigenous vendors. This strategic decision not only fosters the growth of indigenous manufacturing but also reinforces the ethos of self-sufficiency in defense production—a cornerstone of India's security strategy in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Enhancing Operational Effectiveness
Under the ambit of the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category, the DAC has accorded approval for the acquisition of cutting-edge anti-tank mines boasting seismic sensors and remote deactivation features. These technologically advanced mines are poised to significantly enhance operational effectiveness in the Tactical Battle Area, empowering Mechanised Forces to engage targets beyond the Visual Line of Sight with unparalleled precision and efficacy.
In a complementary move, approvals have been granted for the procurement of a Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System—a transformative addition poised to augment the ability to engage targets beyond the line of sight. This acquisition is set to redound to the enhancement of operational efficiency and control in the Tactical Battle Area for Mechanised Forces, thereby bolstering the nation's defensive capabilities manifold.
Strengthening Air Defence Systems
The DAC's green signal for the acquisition of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category represents a significant stride towards fortifying the nation's Air Defence Systems. This cutting-edge radar system, equipped with advanced surveillance, detection, and tracking capabilities, is tailor-made to counter a spectrum of threats—ranging from slow and small to low-flying adversaries—with unparalleled precision and efficacy.
Maritime Surveillance and Defence
Augmenting maritime surveillance capabilities has emerged as a strategic imperative, underscoring the DAC's decision to procure Active Towed Array Sonar for Indian Naval Ships. This state-of-the-art acquisition is poised to revolutionize the detection of potential submarine threats, empowering the Indian Navy with unparalleled long-range detection capabilities—a pivotal asset in safeguarding India's maritime interests against adversarial incursions.
Further Enhancements
In a bid to amplify the offensive capabilities of Kalvari Class submarines, the DAC has sanctioned the procurement of heavy-weight torpedoes—a transformative addition poised to significantly augment the potency of India's submarine fleet. Moreover, approvals for sustainment support for MH60R aircraft through Follow On Support (FOS) and Repair Replenishment support via Follow On Supply Support (FOSS) under the Foreign Military Sale route with the US government underscores India's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships in the pursuit of bolstering its defence capabilities.
Furthermore, the acquisition of Flight Refueler Aircraft promises to extend the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force—a pivotal asset poised to enhance the reach and endurance of air operations across diverse operational theaters. Similarly, the procurement of Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast Guard underscores the imperative of fostering seamless communication networks—a strategic asset poised to facilitate high-speed communication with secure networking capabilities, thus ensuring unfettered information exchange between Coast Guard and Navy units.
The Defence Budget over the Years
Defence Budget for 2024: As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to unveil the Interim Budget on February 1st, the allocation of funds for the defence sector is anticipated to be a significant focus. With the Narendra Modi government's persistent emphasis on achieving self-reliance in defence, aligning with the 'Aatmanirbhar' vision for India, budgetary allocations have played a crucial role in advancing this objective. Since assuming office in 2014, the Modi government has undertaken numerous reforms in the defence sector, aiming to strengthen India's military capabilities and promote indigenous manufacturing.
Defence Budget in 2023: In the previous fiscal year, the Central government, led by the BJP, augmented the defence budget for 2023/24 by 12.95%, elevating it from ₹5.25 lakh crore to ₹5.94 lakh crore. This increase was intended to facilitate the procurement of advanced weapons systems for the military, including new fighter jets, submarines, and tanks. Moreover, there was a notable boost in the modernization budget for the armed forces, signaling a commitment to enhancing India's defence capabilities.
Defence Budget in 2022: In the 2022 budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated ₹5,25,166 crore for the Defence sector, later revised to ₹5,55,484 crore. Emphasizing a shift towards self-reliance, Sitharaman highlighted that 68% of the capital procurement budget for the defence sector would be dedicated to domestic industries. This move aimed to reduce India's dependence on imported defence equipment and promote indigenous manufacturing as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Defence Budget in 2021: The Defence Budget for 2021 was earmarked at ₹4,78,196 crore, with revised estimates reaching ₹5,35,508 crore. This allocation, constituting 14.20% of the central government's expenditure, underscored a push towards defence modernization, with an 18.75% increase in defence capital outlay.
Defence Budget in 2020: In the financial year 2020-21, India's Defence Budget was initially projected at ₹4,71,378 crore but exceeded expectations, reaching ₹5,23,330 crore. This increase was driven by border tensions with China, prompting emergency acquisitions and infrastructure development in strategic regions. Notably, there was a surge in the allocation for Defence Pension, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year.
Defence Budget in 2019: The interim budget for 2019-20 allocated ₹3.18 lakh crore to India's defence, with a capital outlay of ₹1,03,394 crore. However, the actual expenditure surpassed the initial estimate, reaching ₹5,23,330 crore, comprising 18.20% of the central government's expenditure.
Defence Budget in 2018: In the fiscal year 2018-19, India allocated ₹2.95 lakh crore for defence expenditure, reflecting a moderate increase compared to the previous year. This allocation aimed to bolster the operational capabilities of the military, with a significant portion dedicated to the acquisition of new weaponry and systems.
Defence Budget in 2017: In 2017, India increased its defence budget by 6%, with ₹2.74 lakh crore allocated for defence spending in the fiscal year 2017-18. However, the actual expenditures exceeded the initial allocation, demonstrating the government's commitment to strengthening national security.
Defence Budget in 2016: In 2016, the government declared a defence expenditure of ₹2.58 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2016-17, marking a modest increase compared to the previous year. The budget prioritized military modernization efforts and pension provisions, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the armed forces' capabilities.
Defence Budget in 2015: In 2015, India witnessed a slight uptick in defence expenditure, with a budget of ₹2,46,727 crore for the fiscal year 2015-16. This budgetary allocation emphasized the acquisition of new weapons and equipment, contributing to the modernization of the armed forces.
Defence Budget in 2014: In the initial budget of the Modi administration, there was a notable focus on attracting foreign investment and promoting indigenous manufacturing in the defence sector. This included a substantial increase in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap and additional allocations for defence capital outlay and infrastructure development in border areas.
These budgetary allocations over the past decade reflect the government's commitment to strengthening India's defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance in the defence sector. As India continues to navigate complex security challenges, prudent fiscal management and strategic investments in defence remain paramount for safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent approvals by the Defence Ministry for the procurement of advanced military hardware, alongside the trajectory of defence budget allocations over the past decade, reflect India's unwavering commitment to fortifying its defence capabilities under PM Modi’s leadership. These strategic acquisitions underscore a proactive approach towards modernization, aligning with the government's vision of self-reliance in defence production and fostering indigenous innovation. As India navigates complex security challenges, prudent fiscal management and strategic investments in defence remain paramount.
By promoting domestic manufacturing and technological innovation, India not only enhances its military readiness but also strengthens its position as a key player in regional and global security. Moving forward, sustained efforts towards bolstering defence capabilities will be essential for safeguarding India's sovereignty and contributing to peace and stability in the region.
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