There is a way to "win". The system is busted, fix the system.shiv wrote:You can't win.
The procurement system WRT the DRDO, as it stands right now, goes like this:
1. Armed forces draw up the specs for a system
2. DRDO takes its sweet time to build a system that meets the specs
3. During the interval between 1&2, the armed forces sees something better or the situation has changed and forces a change in spec
4. DRDO is forced to reengineer to meet new specs and that chews up more time
5. Repeat steps 3&4
The system should be reformed to look more like this:
1. Armed forces draw up the specs, which includes time, for a system and puts up part of the R&D money (they get vested)
2. Armed forces commit to buying X number of the system if the system meets or beats their spec
3. DRDO is alloted a certain amount of time based on reality to deliver the product to spec or near spec
4. If DRDO is unable to comply with 3, then the armed forces are freed from their commitment from 2 unless they work out a new deal
5. Armed forces can't change specs till they buy what they have already commited to
The DRDO's timelines are soft and the armed forces' commitment to buy is soft. With no commitment on either side, both sides reneg. Tie both sides to deliver on their promises and things will improve.