I am very happy the Mr Sanjay Dixit invited me for a discussion on Defence Modernisation on Jaipur Dialogues. It was a first time that I was participating in a show on this subject. It evoked a lot of interest. The Q&A session was also interesting. Lot of questions on Tejas and aircraft engines. I do hope this subject gets discussed more on such platforms.
As per reports the government is set to finalise the ‘Agnipath’ nee ‘Tour of Duty’ recruitment scheme, under which youth can enlist in the Army for three /five years and be known as ‘Agnivirs’. It is being envisaged that 25% of them would serve for three years and 25% for five years, the remaining 50% would serve for the full term till they reach the retirement age. This major reform is expected to significantly reduce the age profile of the Armed forces. This reform will also result in significant reduction of pensions. It will curb the ballooning salary and pension bills that are adversely impacting military modernization. Under this arrangement, after completing 3 or 5 years of service, the Army will help the soldier/officer to be recruited in other services. The soldiers would be given a pay-out along with priority in recruitment to certain government jobs, including the central armed police forces. An effort is also on to nudge corporate India into hiring such ...
What about constructing a 3rd aircraft carrier? There is currently only one aircraft carrier in service. Another one will enter service in August.
ReplyDeleteThe INS Vikramaditya is not performing well. The ship caught fire this week. It was the third fire since 2019 on the Vikramaditya!