Letters: A lack of trust

This refers to the reports "IAF at war with HAL; wants to import, not build, a trainer" (July 29) and "IAF diluted at least 12 benchmarks for trainer aircraft" (July 30). The spat between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on purchase or development of the basic trainer aircraft (BTA) is getting uglier by the day. The IAF is keen to buy a BTA from foreign sources, whereas HAL has pushed for indigenous development. The IAF is motivated to obtain a proven and reliable system to train its rookie pilots. HAL, on the other hand, wants to complete its current development of the BTA and create a finished product. This lack of synergy is the latest instance of a long-standing lack of trust between the services, development and production agencies.

The resolution of such conflicts invariably ends up in the office of the Raksha Mantri (RM) who generally has no expertise in such cases. The Integrated Defence Staff has been found wanting in rendering timely and actionable advice to the RM. This lack of thoughtful decision support has often resulted in non-optimal or even arbitrary choices on issues that are crucial to the country's defence. It is time to reinforce the office of RM with an expert body, along the lines of the prime minister's office, to advise the RM in a considered and impartial fashion. This body could comprise retired officers from various disciplines. The neutrality and knowledge of such personnel will ensure better decision outcomes.

R C Suri New Delhi

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