Performance-Based Defense Supply Chain

[syedmazharali]

New supply chain and Export Policy for high-end military platforms Pakistan need to implement.

Problem Identified:​

Nations buying advanced weapon systems (like Rafale) may lack the institutional, technical, or training infrastructure to operate them according to manufacturer-intended SOPs — making these assets vulnerable in actual conflict. This undermines not just the buyer, but the manufacturer’s global reputation and the strategic utility of the platform.

Proposed Policy Framework:​

1. Capability-Based Procurement Filtering​

• Manufacturers (like Dassault, Lockheed, etc.) should assess:
  • Operational maturity of buyer's air force
  • Doctrine compatibility
  • Maintenance infrastructure
  • Pilot training pipelines
• Use a scorecard system before approving any sale.

2. Conditional Export Licensing​

• License to export should include:
  • Ongoing compliance with SOPs
  • Mandatory simulation training
  • Biannual operational audits by a neutral third party
• Violations would trigger:
  • Suspension of service contracts
  • Loss of upgrade rights
  • Export blacklist

3. SOP-Linked Warranty Validity​

• Aircraft performance warranties (e.g., MTBF, survivability) are only valid if SOP and maintenance schedules are followed strictly.
• Buyers must log and share flight data, engine hours, maintenance logs, etc.
  

4. Embedded Advisory Teams​

• Include manufacturer-trained advisory teams for the first 5 years.
• These teams would oversee:
  • Tactics alignment
  • Maintenance QA
  • Combat usage reviews

5. Combat Risk Modeling Clause​

• Require the buyer to run pre-sale war simulations showing how the platform will be used in real threat environments (e.g., S-400 zones, JF-17 BVRs).
• If misused, responsibility shifts from OEM to operator.