Challenges in Defence Planning

Abstract

Among the various functions of a government, defence planning is perhaps the most complex. There is need to assess the international security environment, identify threats and opportunities, the domestic situation, technologies and resources available, current capabilities, etc. It has also to take into reckoning the historical and cultural ethos of the people. India has adopted the British pattern of defence administration but defence planning has not been streamlined so as to integrate civil and military elements. The complex nature of our governance has inhibited the process of bringing in radical systemic changes. Defence procurement too is an area which has not received its due attention. This has led to lost opportunities and lower operational capabilities. There is also a need to strike a balance between the required level of confidentiality and internal transparency in planning for national defence.