Defence Expert Calls for Urgent Reforms Following Budget 2026 Announcement
At the recent TOI Budget Dialogues 2026, retired Lieutenant General Raj Shukla delivered a compelling argument for transforming India's defence strategy. He emphasized that the true measure of the defence budget's success lies not in the sheer volume of financial allocations, but in the tangible capabilities and operational strength it generates for the armed forces.
Modern Warfare Demands Rapid Conversion of Funds
Shukla pointed out that contemporary conflict scenarios, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, demonstrate how technology has become the dominant force on battlefields worldwide. He stressed that future military engagements will be decisively shaped by advanced systems including unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), artificial intelligence applications, space-based surveillance and communication networks, and precision-guided weaponry.
The retired general issued a stark warning against preparing for outdated forms of warfare, arguing that continued reliance on legacy platforms and manpower-intensive strategies could prove disastrously costly in modern combat situations.
Systemic Flaws in Defence Procurement Highlighted
Shukla also drew attention to what he described as systemic weaknesses within India's defence acquisition processes. He noted that an excessive focus on obtaining the lowest-cost options frequently comes at the expense of quality, lethality, and technological innovation.
"Prolonged decision-making cycles further weaken the impact of budgetary commitments," Shukla observed, suggesting that delayed procurement timelines diminish the strategic advantage that new funding should provide.
Specific Recommendations for Strategic Enhancement
The defence expert outlined several critical areas requiring immediate attention:
- Accelerated development and deployment of space-based defence capabilities
- Increased investment in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems
- Streamlining of procurement procedures to reduce bureaucratic delays
- Shift from cost-centric acquisition to capability-focused procurement
- Enhanced integration of emerging technologies across all military branches
Shukla's remarks come at a crucial juncture as India evaluates its defence priorities following the Budget 2026 announcements. His emphasis on "combatising space command" reflects growing recognition of space as a critical domain in modern warfare, while his broader critique addresses fundamental structural issues within India's defence establishment.
The expert's analysis suggests that without substantial reforms in how defence funds are allocated and utilized, India risks falling behind in the rapidly evolving landscape of global military technology and strategy.
