Struggles with Procurement Lead to Emergency Acquisition
The Indian Army has once again turned to the emergency procurement (EP) route to acquire man-portable Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems, as multiple past attempts to secure the critical weaponry have failed.
Since 2020, the Army has tried unsuccessfully to close three deals for two different missile systems, involving 88 launchers, 372 missiles, and associated equipment. These systems form the last line of defense against enemy aircraft and helicopters, a necessity underscored by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Fast-Track Procurement Under Emergency Provisions
The EP provisions allow the armed services to procure up to ₹300 crore worth of weaponry on an urgent basis, bypassing lengthy clearance processes. These procurements must begin delivery within six months and be completed within a year of the contract date. This fast-track mechanism has been invoked five times since 2016 to accelerate critical defense acquisitions.
Challenges in Meeting Stringent Timelines
A defense official acknowledged that while EP has been instrumental in acquiring new equipment swiftly, delivery delays remain a persistent issue, as companies struggle to meet the strict deadlines.
For example, amid the India-China border standoff in eastern Ladakh in December 2020, the Army procured 24 Igla-S VSHORAD launchers, 216 missiles, and testing equipment from Russia’s Rosoboronexport. The deliveries were completed by December 2021.
Ongoing and Upcoming VSHORAD Deals
The Army’s EP-4 procurement tranche includes a ₹260-crore order for additional Igla-S systems, comprising:
- 48 launchers
- 100 missiles
- 48 night sights
- One missile testing station
This order, placed with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL), is being assembled in India under a technology transfer agreement. Deliveries are expected to begin by May 2024.
Additionally, a new VSHORAD deal was announced at Aero India 2025 between Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for Starstreak high-velocity missiles and launchers. Under EP-4, the Army has placed an order for:
- 16 launchers
- 56 missiles
- One simulator
- Total value: ₹300 crore
However, defense sources have confirmed that the overall order has faced delays.
EP-5 Focuses on Counter-Insurgency and Indigenous Development
The Army’s EP-5 procurement tranche has been recently approved, with a special focus on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism equipment, according to Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.
Meanwhile, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on an indigenous VSHORAD system. Though some tests have been conducted, the final version is still under development.
As the Indian Army navigates these procurement challenges, the emergency route remains a crucial tool to ensure the rapid acquisition of vital defense systems amid rising security threats.