Defence preparedness: Situation serious,but not alarming,says Naik

In his hour-long address,Naik,who played a significant role in one of the country’s biggest military deals,the Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA),also threw light on procedures related to procurement and acquisition of defence equipment. “Delays are bureaucratic. Once tests are over,the three services have no role to play in decision-making. It is the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that decides the L1 bidder. Like in the recent case of the MMRCA deal,the IAF job was over once we shortlisted Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassualt Rafale out of the original six contenders. The lowest bidder was determined by the MoD. There is layer of bureaucrats between the services and the MoD,” he added.

Naik stressed the need for joint ventures with foreign defence equipment providers,besides reverse engineering as a means to achieve indigenisation. Naik also spelt the need for improvising the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) and the need of revamping the acquisition process.

Talking about the Armed Forces and the Media,Naik said,“National interest should remain priority of both these organisations. They have different modes of operation. While the Armed Forces are seasoned to be following orders,not asking questions and maintaining secrecy,the media is supposed to be asking questions,besides seeking and giving information.”