Letter from the Editor | May 2020

This is the second month in a row when we have been unable to print the monthly issue of FORCE. Once again, it has been both a painful and sad decision. Even though the online edition of FORCE was launched concurrently with the print in August 2003, unless we held the slightly warm printed sheets of FORCE off the press in our hands, we never felt reassured of having produced the magazine.

True, the world is going digital and more people now consume information and entertainment through their smart phones and tablets. Yet, there is something profoundly comforting about holding a printed copy, folding it down the middle, reclining on a rocking chair by the window and reading. Maybe, the gentle rocking movement help in reading! As you can see, we understand the joys of a printed copy. And we are working hard towards restoring that as soon as possible.

This issue on your screen has two primary focus areas. The cover story looks at the recently released draft of Defence Procurement Procedure 2020. The government asserts that the new policy will ensure greater self-reliance with added emphasis on indigenisation. The FORCE cover story analyses if indeed this will happen or not. It looks are recent defence procurements and the upcoming programmes.

The second focus is on Covid-19 and its impact on national security. This section gives an overview of the military exercises that have been cancelled due to the pandemic, the enormous contribution of the armed forces in relief work and the criticality of ensuring that service personnel are protected from infection even as they work towards protecting others. Just as we were closing the May issue, came the news that a few CRPF personnel have tested positive, forcing temporary closure of the headquarters. This can have serious consequences.

This issue also commemorates 36 years of the unending Siachen war which started in May 1984. We also have a very special column on how short-sightedness of Navy headquarters is stymieing the growth of its submarine arm. In addition to this, are our regular features and technology updates. Stay safe. Stay strong.

 

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