Gifting obsolete armaments (English Version) Rakshak News 03 May 18
The defence ministry has informed service headquarters to compile a list of obsolete military equipment and weapon systems so that they can be refurbished and gifted to friendly nations. The intention of the government appears to be to boost defence cooperation with friendly states. It also has a dual purpose of creating repair, spare parts and ammunition facilities in India, thus enhancing local defence industry.
International relations depend immensely on trust, support and aid. Nations who are gifted equipment must maintain relations with the gifting nation as they would remain dependent on them for maintenance support and in case of guns and tanks for ammunition also. Further, in the present context military cooperation and diplomacy has begun playing a positive role.
Afghanistan and parts of Africa, battling insurgency and militancy need equipment which can support their armed forces. Many of these countries have their members trained in Indian military institutions and are therefore familiar with Indian military ordnance. Insurgent groups lack such equipment hence the balance of power would shift into the hands of security forces and enhance their capabilities. These nations lack funds to purchase modern equipment from the world market, thus gifting equipment being phased out would enhance diplomatic ties.
The Indian armed forces presently have over 68% of their equipment in obsolete state however continue to employ them as they lack funds for modernization. India has exported its INSAS rifles to Nepal and Oman, HAL Druv helicopters to Mauritius, Nepal and Ecuador and gifted MI 24 and 35 helicopters to Afghanistan. There are many other nations who desire Indian manufactured military equipment, including its BrahMos missiles.
Heavy military equipment like tanks, artillery guns and aircraft amongst others, once inducted out of service remain in depots for prolonged durations and are in many cases placed as decorative or motivational pieces in institutions or military camps. Some are sold as scrap and the metal generated reutilized. However, though the equipment is obsolete and has outlived its utility in the current Indian operational scenario, it remains serviceable and fit for employment in many other parts of the globe, where the enemy is either strong insurgent groups or lacks modern firepower.
105 mm artillery guns, tanks and armoured personnel carriers for example are ideal for employment in Afghanistan and many parts of Africa in operations against strong insurgent groups. Gifting them has multiple advantages for the Indian government. It enhances defence cooperation, builds trust, opens doors for India to set up training and maintenance facilities in those countries as also enables India to establish industries to manufacture ammunition and spare parts for their maintenance. While in the present context most equipment is maintained and spares manufactured by Ordnance factories, the government would possibly task the responsibility for production to the private sector, thus supporting the ‘Make in India’ concept.
Equipment once inducted in those countries would also ensure their continuous dependence on India for equipment support and supplies. Thus, as Indo-Russian relations over the decades indicate, the nation cannot afford to downgrade its relations with India or act against our interest, as supplies of spares and ammunition would be impacted.
While the armed forces may be surprised by the government’s announcement, it does appear to be a way of indicating that the government is looking ahead in developing military to military cooperation. However, while obsolete army equipment is cheaper in both maintenance and reliability, airpower and naval equipment become costlier to maintain as they grow older. The ability of the nation being gifted to afford to pay for maintenance and spares must be considered.
If the government promises the donor nation that it would remain responsible for even maintenance, then it would become an expensive proposition, which may not be sustainable in the long term. In such a scenario, the exercise would result in negative outlook rather than a positive one.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army