A defence acquisition system is a management process by which a nation provides effective, affordable and timely defence equipment to its armed forces. The book traces the evolution of India's defence acquisition system; faults disjointed functioning for its failure to deliver; and suggests creation of an independent authority to administer, coordinate, oversee, direct and control multifarious acquisition activities. India has failed to appreciate that procurement of defence equipment is a highly specialised and complex activity needing unique professional skills and attributes. The book recommends criteria-based selection of acquisition staff, pre-induction training and sufficiently long tenures. Qualitative requirements, field trials and staff evaluation are central to the selection of equipment for procurement. Highlighting existing infirmities, the author proposes innovative measures to rationalise the procedure. As numerous uncertainties afflict every acquisition activity, the book recommends that a risk management plan be prepared at the outset to obviate need for crisis management at a subsequent stage. Contents: Contents Part - 1 Evolution of India’s Defence Procurement Regime Part - II Acquisitions Need Professional Management Part - III Acquisition Challenges Part - IV Need for Cost-Conscienceness Part - V Radical Reforms are Overdue