Brigadier Vikas Sharma, in his policy brief for the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), examines India’s defence logistics system through insights from the Russia-Ukraine war and argues for urgent reforms to make India’s military logistics fit for modern warfare.
The brief identifies that India’s logistics system suffers from outdated infrastructure, lack of integration, and limited automation. Drawing from Russian setbacks in Ukraine, particularly during the failed Kyiv offensive, Sharma emphasizes the risks of relying on road-bound, centralized logistics systems and highlights the need for flexible, multimodal, and technology-enabled logistics frameworks suited for contested environments.
Author argues that India must move beyond the rigid “push” logistics approach, used by Russian forces, and adopt a hybrid push-pull model that responds dynamically to operational needs. The brief stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy tooth-to-tail ratio and warns against understaffing logistics units, as seen in the Russian case.
Author also points to the logistical complications Ukraine faced while integrating diverse Western equipment and calls for standardization and improved interoperability within India’s forces. He critiques the move to reduce stockpiles based on the assumption of short wars and recommends restoring robust reserves and building capacity to scale up production during conflict.
The brief highlights the importance of adopting digital tools for real-time logistics coordination, including GPS tracking and AI-enabled forecasting, in contrast to India’s continued reliance on paper-based systems. It advocates for an integrated tri-service logistics command to improve coordination and efficiency across the army, navy, and air force.
Author also emphasizes reducing foreign dependence by strengthening indigenous defence production, enhancing cybersecurity for logistics infrastructure, and integrating civilian assets like transport and drone services into military logistics planning. He calls for modular and decentralized logistics hubs, forward repair facilities, and agile supply chains that can operate in disrupted environments. In conclusion, author argues that India must undertake structural, technological, and doctrinal reforms to build a resilient, flexible, and future-ready defence logistics system capable of sustaining high-tempo operations in complex conflict scenarios.
