Historically, India has depended on foreign countries to provide military equipments for its armed forces. In recent years, India has increased its acquisition of military equipments. The procurement process for these weapons can be quite lengthy. This includes the import of parts and equipment from foreign OEMs. It also involves using a National Stock Number. The NSN is used to identify military equipment and supplies. These include self-propelled guns, aircraft, spare parts and repair parts.
France is India’s second largest supplier. Russia has been India’s largest supplier in recent decades of major weapons. Russia's exports of major arms to India fell by 47 percent between 2012-2016. India is still the second largest market in Russia for military equipment. Russia's largest arms exports from India during the period 2012 to 2016 were the AH64, F-15C Strike Eagles, UH-60 Blackhawks, Leopard 2A4 and F-15C Strike Eagle tanks.
India is the largest exporter of military equipments worldwide. India has been increasingly focused on its indigenous production of weapons in recent decades. The Indian Armed Forces are influenced by the 'Make in India policy. 70 percent of defence budget has been set aside for domestic arms industries by the government. This is due to the need for weapons capable of fulfilling the country's defense needs.
India did not have the capability to manufacture weapons its own in the past. India began importing major weapons from Russia in 2012, accounting for around 70% of total major arms imports from Russia. The government has begun to promote indigenous production of weapons for India's Army and Air Force. The "Make in India” policy emphasizes the manufacturing of indigenous weapon parts. In addition, the Indian Air Force stresses the importance to manufacture indigenous weapons.
France, however, has been a major supplier in military equipments to India since the 1970s. France's major weapon programs have always been successful. In the early 1980s, France's army built a new main-battalion tank, Leclerc. It was designed to be used in high-intensity conflict in continental Europe. After two decades of study, the program was launched in 1986.
France launched a combat helicopter as well as two missile programs in addition to the main battle tanks program. These programs were launched to keep France ahead against the Soviet armored divisions and to stop them from advancing into Western territory. Both programs were successful. However, the depletion of smaller-scale programs has threatened the French military's ability to meet its strategic objectives.
Grands Programmes logic remains a keystone of French military planning. However, it has been subject to significant criticism. Although the logic behind the Grands Programmes is controversial, its implementation is crucial in order to ensure that the French military remains cutting-edge.