Military Modernisation Archives

The Budgetary Conundrum of the Indian Armed Forces: A Military Perspective

India’s defence budget is a subject of intense scrutiny and debate, drawing the attention of a diverse range of stakeholders, including economists, defence experts and policymakers. The defence budget must cater for the long-term requirements of defence forces, their equipping philosophy, modernisation requirements and the aspirations of the rank and file of the organisation. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the key aspects of defence budgeting, allocation and expenditure, with a particular focus on the perspectives of the defence establishments as the end-users of the budget. The article is broadly divided into two parts. The first part examines the quantitative aspects of the defence budget, delving into the composition of the overall allocation, the relative shares of the three armed forces, and the distribution between revenue and capital expenditures. The analysis reveals that while the nominal defence budget has been increasing over the years, the share of defence spending in the central government’s total expenditure has been declining, raising concerns about the adequacy of resources to meet the long-term requirements of the defence forces. The second part of the article undertakes a qualitative analysis of the defence budgeting process, exploring the challenges and constraints faced by the defence establishments. These include the need to balance manpower costs with equipment procurement and modernisation, the impact of rising inflation on the purchasing power of the defence budget, and the implications of the revenue–capital expenditure mix on the overall readiness and combat effectiveness of the armed forces.

The Philippines’ Horizon 3 Military Modernisation Programme

The Philippines has set aside US$ 35 billion for the ‘Re-Horizon 3’ military modernisation initiative.

Evolving Military Roles in Cyberspace: A Five Nation Perspective

This monograph explores the varying approaches of the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Israel towards military engagements in cyberspace, detailing their initial strategies, underlying expectations, and the resultant outcomes. By examining these diverse national strategies, the study provides insightful analysis into the evolving perspectives and practices regarding military involvement in cyberspace across different states.

Cherian Samuel
January 22, 2025
Monograph

China Year Book 2011

Publisher: Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

The Year Book seeks to promote a better understanding of contemporary issues affecting China and their impact on India. This first edition of an annual series of year books is a compilation of incisive chapters focussing on China’s relations with the US, South Asia, ASEAN, Japan and East Asia, Central and West Asia, and the SCO. India-China relations—of considerable interest and significance to India—are discussed as are the Chinese economy, media, the People’s Liberation Army, and the political landscape inside the country.

ISBN 978-93-82169-04-8,
Price: ?. 299/-
E-copy available

Military Applications of Virtual Reality and Beyond

The military applications of Virtual Reality include those relating to combat training and simulation.

Akshat Upadhyay
September 14, 2023
Issue Brief

US Voluntary Code of Conduct on AI and Implications for Military Use

The suggestions being offered to rein in the advancements in AI need to move into the domain of regulation, to ensure that the unwarranted effects of these technologies do not spill over onto the modern battlefield.

NATO’s AI Push and Military Implications

NATO countries are adopting Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) to maintain their strategic advantage and to mitigate transnational threats.

Sanur Sharma
May 24, 2022
Issue Brief

Quantum Technologies and Military Strategy

Publisher: Springer

This book is about the strategic relevance of quantum technologies. It debates the military-specific aspects of this technology. Various chapters of this book cohere around two specific themes. The first theme discusses the global pattern of ongoing civilian and military research on quantum computers, quantum cryptography, quantum communications and quantum internet. The second theme explicitly identifies the relevance of these technologies in the military domain and the possible nature of quantum technology-based weapons. This thread further debates on quantum (arms) race at a global level in general, and in the context of the USA and China, in particular. The book argues that the defence utility of these technologies is increasingly becoming obvious and is likely to change the nature of warfare in the future.

ISBN: 978-3-030-72720-8 ,
Price: EUR 89.99

Modernisation of Indian Armed Forces through Indigenisation

In the current geopolitical situation, India needs to increase the indigenous defence production and build a strong military force armed with technologically advanced defence equipment to create a robust security framework that meets the requisites of modern warfare.

Richa Tokas
November 05, 2021
IDSA Comments

Learning from Russia: Comparing Russian and Chinese Military Reforms

Understanding the Chinese Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) has been a challenge for military thinkers and planners due to opacity and secrecy within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This article delves into the traditional relationship between the erstwhile Soviet (now Russian) and Chinese militaries and draw parallels between the two RMA. It argues that in many ways the Chinese RMA has followed the Russian RMA, which was driven by the latter’s experiences in modern wars in Georgia, Ukraine, Crimea, and Syria. The article concludes that the PLA has suitably modified the Russian military doctrines, reorganisation and restructuring as well as the induction of military equipment to suit the threats and challenges that confront it. Military thinkers and planners would do well to study the Russian RMA to extrapolate the future trajectory of the changes that are underway in the PLA.