At a time when the credibility of the Manmohan Singh Governments lies in tatters, thanks to allegations of corruption, the recent announcement of the Government, narrowing the list of qualified bidders on the acquisition of 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) has, happily, not invited any accusations for corruption, cronyism or nepotism.

This is unquestionably because of the reputation for honesty and probity that Defence Minister, Mr A.K. Anthony, enjoys in India and abroad. But, many like former National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra aver that our defence procurement procedures are “antiquated and excessively time consuming”.

They argue that Mr Anthony's fixation with his honest “image” has resulted in serious delays in procurement of vital defence equipment, ranging from Army helicopters and 155 mm Howitzers, to combat aircraft and submarines.

Mr Mishra warns that our defence planners have to note that since 2008 the Sino-Pakistan “all weather friendship” has become a “military alliance directed against India,” against which, “we may have to defend ourselves at the same time”.

The IAF has a sanctioned strength of 39.5 combat squadrons. Barely 29 squadrons are operational at present. Some of them are equipped with aircraft of 1960s and 1970s vintage. Even with scheduled acquisitions, we will have 39.5 operational squadrons only in 2017. We will then find that facing the Sino-Pakistan alliance the IAF requires a minimum strength of 45 combat squadrons. Pakistan's Air Force presently has 22 combat squadrons. It is set to acquire 10- 12 squadrons of JF-17 and a couple of squadrons of J-10 fighters from China. The latter is an Israeli variant of the F-16.

The Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) already has 350 “fourth generation” fighter aircraft and is set to have an estimated 300 such combat aircraft based in the Lanzhou and Chengdu Military Regions bordering India.

Despite these developments, we have proceeded at a rather leisurely pace with our defence modernisation, though in its growing fleet of Russian Sukhoi 30s, the IAF has one of the finest contemporary fighters.

AMERICA LOSES OUT

India has adopted a transparent process of tendering for acquiring the MMRCA. The bids came from Russia (MiG 35), Sweden (Grippen), France (Rafale), the US (F16 IN and F/A 18E/F Super Hornet) and the European Eurofighter Consortium comprising Germany, UK, Italy and Spain, for the “Typhoon”.

Over the past two years, dozens of senior IAF officials have gone through each of these bids meticulously to see how far they fulfilled the 643 parameters the IAF had laid down.

The aircraft offered have been put through rigorous flight tests in Leh (high mountainous terrain), Jaisalmer (hot desert terrain) and Bangalore, across the coastal belt. anufacturers are required to effect substantial transfer of the aircraft's technology, in an effort to boost India's aerospace industry, which lags seriously behind its Chinese counterpart.

Following the rejection of the Grippen and MiG 35 bids, New Delhi recently announced that both US aircraft, the F 16 IN and F/A 18 also failed to meet IAF requirements.

The Americans argued that their fighters alone possess the unquestionably superior AESA radar, which gives them a combat edge.

Moreover, the Americans have looked at the entire MMRCA acquisition in larger strategic terms. American analyst, Mr. Ashley Tellis, an expert on Indian defence and nuclear policies asserted: “The winner (of the MMRCA contract) will obtain a long and lucrative association, with a rising power and secure a toehold into other parts of India's rapidly modernising strategic industries. The aircraft will play a vital role in India's military modernisation, as the country transforms from a regional power to a global giant.”

There is “disappointment” in Washington at the rejection of American bids, especially as President Obama had personally lobbied with the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on this issue.

Hopefully, Americans will understand that on issues like the acquisition of the MMRCA, India will not yield to external pressures. Even the Americans acknowledge that both their warplanes are of relatively old vintage and cannot be upgraded any further.

ANTONY'S RECORD

The US has little reason to complain. Defence deals with India, even during Mr. Anthony's tenure have been substantial and included six C-130 J Super Hercules, 10 C-17 Globemaster Transport Aircraft and 12 Poseidon Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, apart from troop carrying ship the “Trenton”.

India is also set to purchase a substantial number of light howitzers for its Mountain Divisions and consider an offer of 197 helicopters for the army, after having scrapped a deal with Eurocopter, following American protests.

Equally, there is no cause for our worthy Communists, who never tire of espousing the cause of the Chinese, while turning a blind eye to Sino-Pakistan nuclear and military cooperation, to celebrate Mr. Anthony's decision on the MMRCA.

Mr Anthony has inked more contracts with the Americans than any of his predecessors.

(The author is a former High Commissioner to Pakistan. blfeedback@thehindu.co.in )

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW