Following the controversy over a recent decision by the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) leadership to include three generals in the reserve, ERR has investigated what the total number of generals, on active duty and in reserve, there are at present.
Irrespective of the government's motivations behind the Agnipath scheme, the linkage between the rising pension expenditure and somewhat moderate outlays for operations and force modernisation is undeniable.
Despite concerns over ballooning service pensions dominating the narrative during General Rawat’s tenure as CDS, the DMA and military leadership have lapsed into radio silence over the matter.
While the three service chiefs praised the 'radical' scheme, a cross section of serving and retired officers are not convinced about its ability to reduce pension payouts and the introduction of All-India All-Class regiments.
Touted as a way to reduce burgeoning defence pensions, critics say the scheme will adversely impact the armed forces' organisational ethos and operational effectiveness.