Logistical Fortification of India’s Defence

“He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight…

He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces…

He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks…

He will win who prepared himself and waits to take the enemy unprepared…

He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign…”

- Sun Tzu

Illustration by The Geostrata

The term ‘logistics’ originates from the Greek adjective logistikos, which means skilled in calculating. Logistics is the coordination and movement of resources, including people, materials, inventory, and equipment, between locations.

The process includes purchasing, delivering raw materials, packaging, shipping, and transporting items, as well as providing services within an organisation. Military logistics involves organising, advancing, and maintaining military forces for future actions.

Conflicts throughout India's history have shown the essential need to improve its military logistics capabilities. Various battles and activities, such as the Indo-Pak War series, the Kargil Conflict of 1999, Operation Vijay in 1961, and the Sino-Indian War of 1962, revealed logistical obstacles.

Improving logistical skills is critical for effectively addressing past difficulties and responding to current security concerns. Improving infrastructure, transportation networks, supply chains, and storage facilities allows for faster deployment of forces and more efficient resource allocation. This not only boosts India's defence position but also improves its ability to project power and respond to rising security threats across many geographical regions.

The Armed Forces have developed under the framework of the British system, which was in place until independence. The Indian Army provides logistical support through three services: Army Service Corps (ASC), Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), and Electronics & Mechanical Engineers (EME). ASC offers victual support to the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Para Military Forces (PMF) when needed.

The Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy use different systems to repair and maintain equipment. The Military Engineer Services (MES) and Army Medical Corps (AMC) offer infrastructural and medical support, respectively.

To enhance the logistical support, India has signed multiple logistical support agreements.

The bilateral agreement between India and Russia is known as the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), which is comparable to an arrangement between India and the United States known as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Arrangement.

The RELOS, like all logistical service agreements, is intended to be a reciprocal arrangement that allows the two nations to use military logistics facilities while visiting each other's ports, bases, and military installations.

India now has military logistics agreements with Australia, Japan, and the United States (the Quad countries), as well as France, Singapore, and South Korea. India is currently in the midst of concluding such a deal with the United Kingdom and is in talks with other partners, including Vietnam.

Military logistics agreements are simply administrative arrangements between strategic partners that facilitate the replenishment of fuel, rations, and spare parts, as well as the berthing and maintenance of each other's warships, military aircraft, and troops during port visits and joint exercises on a reciprocal basis, essentially simplifying the process of providing logistical support to one another.

As the most outgoing of the three forces, the Indian Navy has gained the most from these logistics agreements. These agreements have improved operational turnaround times and strengthened cooperation among partner vessels on the high seas.

Russia supplied 65% of India's arms imports, totaling more than $60 billion, during the last two decades. India is attempting to distance itself from its main arms supplier after Russia's ability to supply munitions and spares was hampered by the crisis in Ukraine, but it must proceed cautiously to prevent pulling Moscow closer to China.

Internally speaking, India aims to spend about $100 billion on defence orders over the next decade, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved his focus to domestic production using Western technology.

Such efforts would be more in line with the Make in India initiative to promote domestic industry, as he launches a rare attempt for a third term in the May general elections. To address future issues, the government plans to build a "robust, secure, speedy, and Aatmanirbhar" logistics system that includes the Gati Shakti project.

According to Lt. Gen. Mohanty, a national logistics policy is being discussed. He envisions a fully networked system that connects frontline soldiers and service providers with a single click, similar to telemarketing platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Big Basket.

In addition to existing procedures, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating new technologies into military operations. These technologies include robots, AI, autonomous systems, and key domains like space and cyber.

These technologies have the potential to enhance the speed, reach, and lethality of military forces, challenging traditional notions about warfare. The Modi government encourages the Indian armed services to adopt modern technologies and capabilities. 17 The government established defence cyber and space agencies as independent tri-service organisations to coordinate actions in these areas. Implementing new technologies and capabilities will transform the Indian armed forces from a 'personnel-intensive' to a 'technology-centric' organisation.

‘THE WAR IS A WAR OF LOGISTICS’

Today, the battlefield has evolved to be complex, multi-dimensional, non-linear, with a compressed time-space, a high tempo of operations, greater lethality, nuclear ambiguity, and high transparency due to technological advancements (particularly information technology). Effective logistics require integrated resource use, integration at the national and armed forces levels, and an integrated strategy for logistics execution.

To meet the task, we must evaluate all contingencies, resources, and logistics infrastructure in theatres. To increase flexibility and redeploy logistics resources, we need a model that considers inventory range, procurement and delivery procedures, core capabilities, and terrain.

Modify the structure to align with the tri-service operational philosophy, implement best practices, and utilise information technology. Centralise command, coordination, and control throughout the Armed Forces' three wings under a single accountable logistical chief.

Integrate logistics components throughout the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the industry, to overcome gaps in specific tasks.

Plan and execute national infrastructure development, with a focus on rural border areas.

The Army's current supply chain and inventory management system are a legacy of the British. Over the last 70 years, surface communication has advanced significantly, and the industrial base has expanded rapidly. The number of intermediary connections in the supply chain has decreased, and financial authorities have been devolved.

The British Armed Forces have updated their logistics support system to align with technological advancements and strategic analysis, meeting evolving needs. The IA has mostly maintained the status quo, focusing on cosmetic rather than structural reforms.

Reviewing the system can improve efficiency without reducing assurance levels.

A reassessment of existing organisational structures is necessary for both the Integrated HQ of the MoD (Army) and the Defence Ministry. Incorporating service personnel at the ministry level (e.g., Special/Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, and Directors) can help bridge the civil-military gap, expedite force modernization procurement, and improve accountability. To achieve integration through optimisation, overcome reluctance to change and take the necessary actions.

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BY GARGI

THE GEOSTRATA

info@thegeostrata.com