Our DPP needs to be streamlined so that our armed forces do not remain in a state of flux; Dealings remain transparent and clearer for overseas and domestic suppliers; Our men in uniform working 24x7 receive the best solutions to be equipped with thereby capable to handle any kind of challenges coming from any quarters; Offsets and alike elements should work as enabler rather than disabler; And decisions are taken on time so that situations do not go out of hand/out of control.

In the immediate wake of the Defexpo 2012, we at SP’s felt an urgent need to organise a seminar-cumworkshop on streamlining India’s laborious and labyrinthine Defence Procurement Procedure. The May 2 day-long conference witnessed industrialists, diplomats, bureaucrats, policy makers, defence personnel, politicians, etc pondering and talking about “Streamlining the Defence Procurement System”.

The business aviation market is opening up now and call rates will find its keel, like the way mobiles did over years. An article “30,000 Feet Up, Business as Usual” throws light on how business jet operators have factored in ICT on board, giving a competitive edge to the high-flying executives. Likewise, regional aviation has become a vital segment of the airline industry in many parts of the world. And though not commercially viable, there is simply no alternative to regional aviation in taking aviation services to remote and isolated communities.

On a positive note, India’s successful launch of Agni-V with ICBM capabilities came as morale-boosting news for the entire nation, but much more still needs to be done before the party begins. All this and much more! Happy reading.