Examining the US Defence Acquisition Apparatus: What can India Learn?

The United States (US) defence acquisition apparatus, arguably the biggest in the world, has undergone several reforms in the past 100 years. The reforms, which have focused on both structural and procedural aspects of acquisition, have led to establishment of authority and accountability in acquisition; articulation of a detailed regulatory mechanism; a dedicated university to impart training to acquisition workforce; and a clear incentive structure for the domestic industry. Some of the US reforms could be of use for India that has been struggling in its efforts to streamline its own acquisition system. India could learn from the US system of an acquisition czar dealing with all aspects of acquisition, besides imbibing the good practices pertaining to programme management, joint capability planning, human resource management and domestic industry’s greater participation in acquisition.