Why India took 16 years to acquire fire-and-forget Javelin missiles
Relevant to UPSC Mains GS-3 (Defense) and GS-2 (Governance) covering defense procurement, military modernization, and government efficiency in India.
UPSC Relevance
Maps to GS Paper 3 (Security) – Defence Procurement and Indigenous Defence Manufacturing. Connects to themes of defence modernisation, Make in India, and strategic autonomy.
What You Need to Know
Javelin is a US-made fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) with top-attack capability. India's acquisition took 16 years due to procurement delays, illustrating systemic inefficiencies in defence buying.
Why It Matters for UPSC
Fire-and-forget ATGMs are critical for modern armoured warfare, especially along India's borders with China and Pakistan. Streamlining procurement and boosting indigenous production are vital for strategic autonomy and reducing import dependence.
Background
India's defence procurement follows the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) with multiple stages: Service Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), trials, and contract negotiations. The Javelin deal faced delays over technology transfer and cost negotiations. Recent reforms like DAP 2020 and positive indigenisation lists aim to speed up acquisitions.
Current Relevance
India recently cleared Javelin purchase for high-altitude warfare, while also developing indigenous ATGMs like MPATGM and NAG. The delay underscores the need for faster decision-making and R&D investment in defence.
Key Points for Revision
- •Javelin is a fire-and-forget ATGM with top-attack capability; India's deal took 16 years to finalise.
- •India's defence procurement involves multiple stages (SQRs, trials, negotiations) causing delays.
- •DAP 2020 and Positive Indigenisation Lists aim to reduce import dependence and speed up acquisitions.
- •Indigenous ATGMs like MPATGM and NAG are under development to replace imports.
- •Technology transfer negotiations often delay deals; strategic autonomy requires domestic R&D.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is a feature of fire-and-forget missiles?
Fire-and-forget missiles lock onto target before launch, allowing operator to move away. This enhances survivability and is key in modern warfare.
Q2. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 is associated with:
DAP 2020 introduced measures like faster-track procurement and preference for indigenous design, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Q3. What is the primary purpose of the Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)?
PIL lists items that cannot be imported, to force domestic production and reduce dependency.
Mains Practice Questions
Discuss the challenges in India's defence procurement system and suggest reforms to achieve self-reliance in critical military technologies. (250 words)
DiscussExamine the role of technology transfer in India's defence deals and its implications for self-reliance. (150 words)
Examine