Indian Armed Forces Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) - Steps For Integration of Defence Forces

Indian Armed Forces Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) - Steps For Integration of Defence Forces

Question: True integration and not mere aggregation of the capacities of the three armed services is critically needed for the Indian defence forces. Provide an overview of the Indian Armed Forces Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan/ LTIPP and steps which should be taken in this direction.

Overview

• LTIPP 2012-2027 matches force levels with operational requirements and it is essential for bridging gaps and building force levels for armed forces to meet their operational directives

• Inductions planned by the three armed forces are also included in the LTIPP

• It also provides inroads for discerning trouble from state actors or non state groups across neighbouring nations

• It is an integrated and balanced programme for 3 services using strategy, setting priorities and demanding budgetary support

• Joint strategic prioritisation of capital acquisitions have been granted

Steps for Defence Integration

• Sector specific schemes and programmes have to be assessed against the backdrop of conventional programme focussed at Pakistan and China

• Individual priority must be recalibrated against backdrop of future missions and desired joint capability

• Certain capital intensive programmes must be identified to win local wars and dominate sea lanes of communication through joint consultation

• Intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance as well as precision targeting must be focused on
• Definitive rolling funds must be allocated with time bound implementation schedule so existing capability voids can be bridged

• Integrated exercise should be recommended for intra and inter service prioritisation associated with operational necessity

• Self reliance in defence production needs to be provided an institutional push through involvement of the following stakeholders on board a common platform:
- Users
- R&D Agencies
- Industry

• Technological independence must be attained through development of indigenous defence technologies

• Forex reserves also need to be preserved

• Defence and development will go hand in hand through job creation in defence manufacturing

Facts and Stats

• 2749700 soldiers were part of the Indian armed forces in 2013 as per the World Bank

• India is behind China in terms of military capability currently

• China’s expenditure on defence is 3 times that of India

• A comparative look shows China’s superiority:

- India: Armed forces strength is pegged at 1,325,000, estimated reservists at 1,155,000 and paramilitary forces at 1,301,000.

- China: Armed forces strength is pegged at at 2,285,000, estimated reservists at 510,000 and paramilitary forces at 6,60,000