Military Affairs

About Centre

The Centre for Military Affairs comprises of a mix of serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces and civilian experts. The Centre adopts an inter-disciplinary approach to various issues that impinge upon India’s national security in general and the armed forces in particular. Its research focus is on issues that impact upon national security and capacity-building of the Indian armed forces. Specific areas of focus include: emerging contemporary challenges in warfare, jointness, defence co-operation, maritime security, and military training needs. In addition, the Centre also addresses China- and Pakistan-related issues with a bearing on their interface with Indian security. The Centre closely interacts with military establishments in India and abroad and contributes to policy making by conducting research in areas of significance for the armed forces.

Indian Army: Internal Challenges In Capability Building And Retention

The Army, being the largest service and fielding the largest array of equipment, needs to improve its own processes by carrying out an internal analysis and taking effective steps to speed up the procurement process.

Rumel Dahiya
October 11, 2012
Issue Brief

Assertiveness in The People’s Liberation Army: Pressure on The Party?

The talk of ‘nationalising’ the PLA seems to have been lost in the slew of sops that the Party has given the PLA in the recent past, but it is not clear for how long such a demand can be parried.

Mandip Singh
October 01, 2012
IDSA Comments

“No-Cost, No-Commitment (NCNC)” Trials in Capital Procurements: Time for a Review

NCNC trials in capital procurements have been found to restrain quality participation in the tender process and in turn defeat the purpose of quality acquisition of military hardware through competitive bidding. This calls for a review of the practice.

Mahendra Prasad
September 18, 2012
IDSA Comments

India’s Defence Industry: Need for Urgent Decisions

In the absence of a sustained and visible commitment to rapid indigenisation, India’s dependence on foreign suppliers for its defence needs will only increase and India will sadly remain a ‘knowledge colony’.

Ramesh Phadke
September 18, 2012
IDSA Comments

Are the Armed Forces Game for 3PL?

3PL support has not become integral to the defence forces’ administrative functions yet. Considering the funds that can be saved, manpower that can be freed to train for operational readiness, the adept, proficient and skilful resources that can be used to upgrade its standards and capabilities, the armed forces should not to drag their feet in this important issue.

Venu Gopal
September 17, 2012
Issue Brief

Rafale MMRCA Deal: Last Minute Glitches?

The Rafale deal is especially important as it is IAF’s best bet to stem and even reverse the recent and continuous fall in the combat aircraft squadrons fielded.

Vivek Kapur
August 30, 2012
IDSA Comments

Yongxing Island: China’s Diego Garcia in the South China Sea?

China’s decision to set up a military garrison on the Yongxing Island and creating a city administration could be seen as a step in firstly expanding its military reach, secondly strengthening its claims in the South China Sea, and thirdly countering the US rebalance towards the region.

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee: A Midway Solution

The Chairman COSC will neither be the Commander of India’s Armed Forces nor will he be able to do justice to his advisory role because of the constraints that will affect his functioning in the present system.

Rajneesh Singh
August 07, 2012
IDSA Comments

Transformation of the Indian Air Force over the Next Decade

The ongoing transformation involving the induction of advanced weapon and combat support systems is aimed at developing the IAF’s capabilities to deliver what is required of it.

Vivek Kapur
June 13, 2012
Issue Brief

Major Issues of Immediate Concern for the Indian Air Force

The multitude of challenges the IAF faces during its ongoing transformation ranging from a high accident rate to cyber warfare need to be addressed to ensure that it remains an effective fighting force.