Getting ready

India's defence sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation with the Ministry of Defence launching a detailed review of tri-service procurement priorities.

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This initiative, driven by an urgent need to address capability gaps across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflects a strategic shift from piecemeal solutions to a more holistic, problem-solving approach. The Indian Air Force, operating with just 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, epitomises the urgency. Its fighter fleet faces acute shortages, exacerbated by delays in delivering indigenous platforms like the Tejas MK1A and the stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. These delays hinder operational readiness and compromise India's ability to counter emerging threats. Similarly, the Navy's critical needs - submarines, helicopters, and an additional aircraft carrier - remain unmet, while the Army grapples with the need to modernise tanks, drones, and munitions. Despite the presence of established mechanisms like the Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Acquisition Procedure, procurement processes often stall due to procedural complexities and lack of a