INDIA APPROVES $12.3 BILLION DEFENSE PACKAGE

Written by Michael Thervil

Indian Military parade Photo by REUTERS/Altaf Hussain

[India approves $12.3 billion defense package] New Delhi has just signed off on a new budget for the Indian military to obtain $12 billion in arms and ammunition. India, which has been one of the world biggest weapons importers who traditionally relied on Russia, is now looking to turn inwards to satisfy its weapons and armaments needs. In a previous article entitled: “[name]”, we highlighted how India has recently put itself on track to be a major player in the international arms exporting market. With India securing a contract with Russia to manufacture the newest AK variant, India has placed itself in the position to enhance their military readiness by self-procuring air defense systems, armored vehicles, electronic warfare system, surface-to-air-missiles (SAM) and increased supply chain management.

This newly approved $12.3 billion Indian military spending budget by the India defense acquisition council (DAC) also includes the ability of the Indian military to purchase mines and mine countermeasure vessels, rapid gun mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels (SAV). With the approval of this $12 billion budget India is placing itself on the fast track to modernize and update its military hardware and capabilities. Could the passing of this budget be in response to India's 12-day war with Pakistan?

There's a high number of people that think so. With the Pakistani military deploying Chinese made aircraft and missile systems during the 12-Day War which resulted in India losing dozens of fighter jets and expending a lot of ammunition. It's considered wise for India to both replenish the ammunition and supplies it used during the conflict as well as explore other options in terms of military hardware and general defense options.

For Russia the production of weapons in India is economically sound. In short, for Russia to manufacture and produce weapons in India is not only cost effective; but it puts Russia in the position to literally get more “bang for its buck”. For India, partnering with Russia in terms of the mass production of weapons for both Russia and itself means economic stability, a boost in the employment numbers, and the opportunity to get their hands on high tech military hardware. This is a win-win situation for both countries that all BRICS member nations should not only take note of but replicate.