In a recent podcast, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh addressed India’s evolving military strategy, post-operation assessments, and the broader transformation of defence procurement and exports. He offered rare insights into Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s response, and structural challenges within the defence acquisition process.
Emergency procurement and stock replenishment
After the operation, the government gave emergency powers to the three armed services, allowing them to use up to 15% of their capital budgets for the urgent purchase of ammunition and equipment to replenish operational stocks.
Singh noted that although funding for modernization is sufficient, challenges remain in utilization. “Capital expenditure has grown 7% over the past few years, but difficulty in absorbing funds meant we had to surrender some of the budget at the revised estimate stage. For the first time in five years, we fully utilized the budget last year, awarding contracts worth ₹2 lakh crore — up from ₹1 lakh crore in 2023–24. We are working to accelerate contract signing and improve fund absorption,” he said.
No shortage of funds, but procurement still too slow
Dismissing any claims of inadequate capital allocation, Singh said, “The Finance Ministry has confirmed there is no shortage of money for capital expenditure.” The real bottleneck, he explained, lies in the procurement timeline. “It takes 5–6 years to buy a weapon — from issuing an RFP to field trials and cost negotiations. Ideally, this should take no more than two years.”
Also Read: Raining Hell: India to get new 300-km range Pinaka missile system soon that can fire 12 missiles in 44 seconds
The secretary added that he would like the armed forces to reduce the duration of field trials from two years to six to eight months.
He cited the Rafale Marine deal as an example that nearly met this ideal timeline. Singh urged the services to complete field trials within 6 to 8 months instead of the current two-year period. “We’ve issued directions to simplify and streamline procurement.”
No formal talks on F-35A or Su-57E will focus on AMCA
“On F-35A and Sukhoi Su-57 E, whatever has been discussed has been informal. We don’t have any formal consultation going on on these,” Singh told ANI in a podcast. He added that the focus is on indigenous capability: “What I can talk about is our fifth-generation fighter, which will be the AMCA.”
AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)would be the first project which will see the the participation from our private sector which will create healthy competition for the government owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Simplifying the defence acquisition procedure
Singh acknowledged the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) — the core manual governing acquisitions — is overly complex. “We must avoid redundancy. Many steps can be conducted concurrently rather than sequentially. We’ve formed a committee to simplify DAP, and its deadline is six months. The new DAP 2025 should be shorter, simpler, and more outcome-focused.”
He added that unnecessary conditions preventing domestic production need to be removed. The goal, he said, is to facilitate indigenous defence manufacturing without compromising standards.
Also Read | India buying US F‑35 or Russian Su‑57? Defence Secretary RK Singh reveals India's big plan for stealth fighter jet
India’s defence exports: From negligible to ₹23,000 Crore
When asked about India’s growing status as a defence exporter, Singh dismissed concerns that it might lead to international isolation or reduce reliance on traditional suppliers. “I don’t believe India is at risk of isolation. You’ve seen Prime Minister Modi’s successful foreign visits — we continue to strengthen global partnerships.”
India’s defence exports have increased from virtually nothing in 2014 to ₹23,000 crore, and Singh expressed confidence in meeting the ₹50,000 crore target in the coming years. “We currently account for only 2% of global defence exports. Only when we begin selling large platforms — like missiles and aerial systems — will others view us as serious competitors,” he said.
Focus on high-value systems for export
India has already exported systems like BrahMos missiles, Akash surface-to-air missiles, Bharat Forge’s ATAGS artillery guns, and other towed gun systems. Singh added that there is growing interest in multi-barrel rocket launchers, which, though not used in Operation Sindoor, are attracting global queries.
India also has robust capability in the production of small arms and various types of ammunition, particularly 155mm shells, which are in high demand worldwide. Singh highlighted that public sector companies increased their defence exports by 40%, while private sector firms grew by 10%, contributing significantly to India’s emergence as a reliable global weapons supplier.
Operation Sindoor and Pakistan's Response
Singh confirmed that during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces demonstrated their ability to strike deep inside Pakistani territory. “Initially, we targeted only terrorist infrastructure. But when the Pakistan Army retaliated directly against our forces, it became clear these groups were their assets. In response, India struck multiple Pakistani military airfields — some of which remain out of commission,” he said.
Following these strikes, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called for a ceasefire. Singh emphasized that such operations are followed by debriefs to assess performance. “That process is ongoing. Lessons are being implemented for the future,” he added.
Also Read: Pakistan caught red-handed again: FATF's new report exposes the dirty tricks of Islamabad
Emergency procurement and stock replenishment
After the operation, the government gave emergency powers to the three armed services, allowing them to use up to 15% of their capital budgets for the urgent purchase of ammunition and equipment to replenish operational stocks.
Singh noted that although funding for modernization is sufficient, challenges remain in utilization. “Capital expenditure has grown 7% over the past few years, but difficulty in absorbing funds meant we had to surrender some of the budget at the revised estimate stage. For the first time in five years, we fully utilized the budget last year, awarding contracts worth ₹2 lakh crore — up from ₹1 lakh crore in 2023–24. We are working to accelerate contract signing and improve fund absorption,” he said.
No shortage of funds, but procurement still too slow
Dismissing any claims of inadequate capital allocation, Singh said, “The Finance Ministry has confirmed there is no shortage of money for capital expenditure.” The real bottleneck, he explained, lies in the procurement timeline. “It takes 5–6 years to buy a weapon — from issuing an RFP to field trials and cost negotiations. Ideally, this should take no more than two years.”
Also Read: Raining Hell: India to get new 300-km range Pinaka missile system soon that can fire 12 missiles in 44 seconds
The secretary added that he would like the armed forces to reduce the duration of field trials from two years to six to eight months.
He cited the Rafale Marine deal as an example that nearly met this ideal timeline. Singh urged the services to complete field trials within 6 to 8 months instead of the current two-year period. “We’ve issued directions to simplify and streamline procurement.”
No formal talks on F-35A or Su-57E will focus on AMCA
“On F-35A and Sukhoi Su-57 E, whatever has been discussed has been informal. We don’t have any formal consultation going on on these,” Singh told ANI in a podcast. He added that the focus is on indigenous capability: “What I can talk about is our fifth-generation fighter, which will be the AMCA.”
AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)would be the first project which will see the the participation from our private sector which will create healthy competition for the government owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Simplifying the defence acquisition procedure
Singh acknowledged the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) — the core manual governing acquisitions — is overly complex. “We must avoid redundancy. Many steps can be conducted concurrently rather than sequentially. We’ve formed a committee to simplify DAP, and its deadline is six months. The new DAP 2025 should be shorter, simpler, and more outcome-focused.”
He added that unnecessary conditions preventing domestic production need to be removed. The goal, he said, is to facilitate indigenous defence manufacturing without compromising standards.
Also Read | India buying US F‑35 or Russian Su‑57? Defence Secretary RK Singh reveals India's big plan for stealth fighter jet
India’s defence exports: From negligible to ₹23,000 Crore
When asked about India’s growing status as a defence exporter, Singh dismissed concerns that it might lead to international isolation or reduce reliance on traditional suppliers. “I don’t believe India is at risk of isolation. You’ve seen Prime Minister Modi’s successful foreign visits — we continue to strengthen global partnerships.”
India’s defence exports have increased from virtually nothing in 2014 to ₹23,000 crore, and Singh expressed confidence in meeting the ₹50,000 crore target in the coming years. “We currently account for only 2% of global defence exports. Only when we begin selling large platforms — like missiles and aerial systems — will others view us as serious competitors,” he said.
Focus on high-value systems for export
India has already exported systems like BrahMos missiles, Akash surface-to-air missiles, Bharat Forge’s ATAGS artillery guns, and other towed gun systems. Singh added that there is growing interest in multi-barrel rocket launchers, which, though not used in Operation Sindoor, are attracting global queries.
India also has robust capability in the production of small arms and various types of ammunition, particularly 155mm shells, which are in high demand worldwide. Singh highlighted that public sector companies increased their defence exports by 40%, while private sector firms grew by 10%, contributing significantly to India’s emergence as a reliable global weapons supplier.
Operation Sindoor and Pakistan's Response
Singh confirmed that during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces demonstrated their ability to strike deep inside Pakistani territory. “Initially, we targeted only terrorist infrastructure. But when the Pakistan Army retaliated directly against our forces, it became clear these groups were their assets. In response, India struck multiple Pakistani military airfields — some of which remain out of commission,” he said.
Following these strikes, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called for a ceasefire. Singh emphasized that such operations are followed by debriefs to assess performance. “That process is ongoing. Lessons are being implemented for the future,” he added.
Also Read: Pakistan caught red-handed again: FATF's new report exposes the dirty tricks of Islamabad
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