India is likely to allow the defence forces to have emergency powers to procure some crucial systems via a fast-track route. This is to improve the armed forces’ operational preparedness in times of emergency.
These powers were first granted shortly after the Uri Surgical Strikes in 2016 when tensions with the Pakistanis escalated. They have been also used during the India-China Standoff which started in April 2020.
A high-level meeting will be held next week by the ministry of defence to discuss and grant these special powers to the armed.
As reported by ANI, in the previous approvals, the defence forces have signed contracts worth Rs 300 crore and equipment has been delivered within 3 months.
These purchases have stretched the armed forces’ preparedness and readiness as acquisitions like the Israeli Heron reconnaissance drone, HAMMER air-to-ground bombs for Rafale and Sig Saur 716 rifles have been procured.
The armed forces have extensively used this power to strengthen their position in times of conflict and the government has granted them these powers in phases.
Indian Armed Forces have procured foreign and Indian-made weapons using such powers.
These powers are being granted to the armed forces yet again seeing Chinese aggression towards Taiwan and in the South China Sea lately and Pakistani agencies trying to carry out some operations along India’s maritime borders.
