One of the unfinished agendas of the Narendra Modi government's first term is the reform and restructure of the defence ministry and the armed forces. The ministry is in the grip of a revenue-capital trap. It is spending more money on the revenue side-pensions and salaries-than on capital, i.e., acquiring defence hardware. This has a direct bearing on the combat efficiency of the armed forces.

All three services have a long list of pending acquisitions. The air force, for instance, needs at least 100 new fighter aircraft to replace its ageing MiG-21s. Each fully loaded fighter jet would cost at least Rs 350 crore. The navy needs new submarines and the army new tanks.

An easy way out would be to increase the defence budget, but this seems unlikely as defence already makes up over 16 per cent of central spending. The only option is to economise budgets and do a hard-nosed review of defence requirements. Do the services need 17 commands with overlapping responsibilities? Does the navy need a third aircraft carrier? If it's clear that India's future wars will be along the disputed boundaries, all of which are in altitudes over 11,000 feet above sea level, why aren't the army and air force equipping themselves for it? Most importantly, the ministry urgently needs a full-time defence minister with a full term in office to push critical reforms.

The 100-Day plan

National Security Doctrine

WHY

India lacks a national security doctrine to guide planning and acquisitions for the forces

HOW

This doctrine is being worked upon by a committee headed by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval

Infrastructure On China Border

WHY

To enable the army to rapidly move troops and equipment to the border

HOW

Seventy-three Indo-China border roads along the northern borders were approved for construction in 2006. Only 27 roads have been completed; the rest are due by December 2022

Appoint A Chief of Defence Staff

WHY

To act as the single-point adviser to the government and begin the process of integration of armed forces.

HOW

Start movement on the proposal that was sent to the Prime Minister's Office a year ago.