Author: Lt Gen JS Matharu (Retd)
Introduction
In the context of national security, Comprehensive National Power (CNP) is a critical measure of a country’s overall capabilities, encompassing economic strength, military power, political stability, and more. An essential component of CNP is Comprehensive National Defense (CND), which ensures a nation’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty and interests. A key yet often underappreciated aspect of CND is Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, which serve as the backbone of a robust defense infrastructure.
MRO and Its Contribution to CND
India’s human resources (HR) are globally recognized for their skills, with Indian-origin professionals leading some of the world’s top companies. This demonstrates the high caliber of Indian talent, particularly in technology and engineering. This talent pool is integral to developing and sustaining MRO capabilities, which directly impact military strength, human capital, and technological advancement—all critical components of CND.
In the military context, the ability to maintain, repair, and overhaul equipment is as crucial as acquiring new technology. The complexities of modern warfare demand that military assets, from vehicles to sophisticated weaponry, remain operational at all times, especially in war zones where resources are scarce, and time is limited. The effectiveness of military maintainers—those tasked with keeping equipment functional under extreme conditions—becomes vital. Their skills, honed through rigorous training, are the linchpin in ensuring that military hardware remains battle-ready.
Challenges in Military Maintenance
Military maintenance is inherently challenging due to the complexity and diversity of the equipment involved. Unlike peacetime, where maintenance can be planned and executed with access to ample resources, wartime scenarios require maintainers to operate with limited tools, spares, and time. The unpredictability of war necessitates a high level of preparedness, where maintainers must be trained to handle any situation, often with minimal support.
The importance of specialized training cannot be overstated. Each type of military equipment, whether it be vehicles, weapon systems, or communication devices, requires unique skills to maintain. The ever-evolving nature of military technology further complicates this, requiring continuous updates to training programs to ensure maintainers are equipped to handle the latest equipment.
Leveraging MRO for National and Global Benefit
India’s MRO HR, particularly those trained within the defense sector, represents a significant asset that can be leveraged both domestically and globally. The creation of MRO hubs across the country, and potentially worldwide, would not only enhance India’s CND but also position the country as a leader in the global MRO market. By digitizing data on trained and trainable HR, India can better connect this skilled workforce with MRO hubs, facilitating efficient deployment and utilization.
The export of MRO services, akin to the success seen in the IT sector, could become a new avenue for India to project its influence globally. Unlike IT, where services can be delivered remotely, MRO requires physical presence, making it a more complex but potentially more rewarding field. With the right infrastructure and training, Indian MRO professionals can be deployed to global hubs, delivering high-quality services that reinforce India’s standing in international markets.
Conclusion
The goal for India should be to establish itself as the MRO capital of the world, much like it has achieved with IT. This requires a strategic approach, involving the development of MRO hubs, both locally and internationally, and the systematic training and deployment of skilled HR. By doing so, India can enhance its CND, contributing to its overall CNP, and secure a leading position in the global MRO industry. The lessons learned from military maintenance, where the skill and preparedness of the maintainer are paramount, can be invaluable in achieving this vision.
Mohit G
Very important issue highlighted in the article