In Our Defence

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore the future of India's armoured capabilities in light of the government's recent approval of ₹1,44,716 crore for capital acquisitions. This includes modernising the Indian Army's tank fleet through the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program. The new tank FRCV aims to replace around 2,500 four-decade-old Soviet-origin T-72 t...

India, a nation that has landed on the moon and built fighter jets, still imports basic infantry rifles. Why? The Ministry of Defence has recently signed a repeat order for 73,000 SIG716 rifles from the U.S., with delivery expected by the end of 2025. This follows an earlier procurement of 72,400 rifles in 2019. The move has sparked controversy, highlighting India's continued reliance on foreign a...

In the world of special operations, India is home to three elite forces: the Garud (Air Force), MARCOS (Navy), and Para SF (Army). Each unit has its own specialisation—Para SF excels in high-altitude, counter-insurgency, and surgical strikes; MARCOS are maritime experts; and Garud Commandos focus on airfield protection and counter-hijacking. In response to popular demand from our listeners, this e...

What exactly is air defence? At its core, it intercepts incoming aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, or missiles. But, achieving this requires sophisticated technology and coordination. So, why do you need a wide range of air missile systems? What different air defence systems do we have, and is the Russian-made S-400 system, hailed for its advanced capabilities and 450-kilometer range, our b...

The skies over Sulur came alive with the launch of Exercise Tarang Shakti, India’s first multinational air exercise, on August 6 in Tamil Nadu. This significant event, the largest of its kind in India, is taking place in two phases: the first in Sulur from August 6 to 14 and the second in Jodhpur from August 29 to September 14. Ten countries, including Australia, France, Germany, and the USA, are...

It’s been 25 years since the Kargil war. We delve into the factors behind India's victory and the major intelligence failures that caused the conflict. The critical lapse was the intelligence oversight that allowed Pakistani forces to occupy high positions unchallenged, particularly due to inadequate surveillance during winter months. We address pertinent questions: What major intelligence failure...

The Indian Navy’s INS Brahmaputra warship, docked at the Mumbai Dockyard for refitting, was overturned earlier this week under mysterious circumstances. What started with a fire on Sunday has led to significant damage and the disappearance of a sailor. With a Rear Admiral now probing the incident, what are the implications for the ship's future usability and the broader safety and maintenance of I...

83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft are awaiting American F404 engines, causing a 9-month delay and uncertainty over the indigenous fighter aircraft program. With rising concerns over delays, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) aims to deliver the first aircraft by August 15. Tejas Mark 1A program is a pivotal project for the IAF. But why the delay? Who is to blame? Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Ar...

PM Modi was in Moscow this week, marking his first visit to Russia since the country invaded Ukraine in 2022. The hug between Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin caused a global stir, drawing particular ire from Western nations and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into the relationship between India and Russia, analysing how it has...

India and France are negotiating a Rs 50,000-crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets. If finalised, these aircraft will be deployed on the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Why the Rafale M? The French Rafale M emerged as the frontrunner against its competitor, the American Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. Why does the Navy need a new fighter jet? The In...

India and the United States are progressing in their discussions to collaboratively produce the latest generation of Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs). Initially, the project will involve a limited off-the-shelf acquisition of Strykers through the US Foreign Military Sales program. Subsequent phases will include joint production in India, culminating in the co-development of future...

This week, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited announced a significant development: the Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) as part of the government's push to boost defence indigenisation. Of these, 90 will be allocated to the Indian Army and 66 to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Currently, 15 Prachands are in service with the IAF and 5 with the I...

In just three days, Jammu & Kashmir has been struck by four terror attacks. A tragic incident in the Reasi district saw a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra targeted, resulting in nine deaths and 41 injuries. The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility. Further terror struck Doda and Kathua, where an attack claimed the life of a CRPF jawan and injured six security...

Recent months have seen Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace firm, embroiled in multiple safety concerns, accidents, and reputational crises. Why is Boeing under intense scrutiny? What critical issues is it facing? In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into these pressing issues on their show, questioning the apparent decline of this once-revered company. What has...

The election season in India is heating up, and the rhetoric around Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is becoming increasingly prominent among politicians. No surprises there! Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently addressed opposition allegations of constitutional changes by emphasising the government's focus on integrating PoK into India. Echoing this sentiment, Union Home Minister Amit...

Where is the conflict in Gaza heading? After seven months of the Israel-Hamas war, are we witnessing the beginning of the end, or is it a war with no foreseeable conclusion? Why does Netanyahu persist in his stance despite mounting international pressure? Is his stubbornness a response to the intelligence lapse exposed by the October 7 Hamas attack, or is it part of a calculated strategy aimed at...

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into India's nuclear submarine program, discussing its limited fleet despite a vast coastline of 6700 km. Why does a country with such a significant maritime border suffer from "sea blindness"? The Indian Navy, the smallest among the three armed forces, seems disproportionally under-equipped given the strategic importance of its...

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence enthusiast Shiv Aroor delve into the cutting-edge advancements in India's missile programs and the coveted missile technology programs at large. They examine two significant tests: the successful launch of the indigenous Nirbhay cruise missile and a new variant of the Medium-Range Ballistic Missile, both of which showcase India's technological prowess....

The Indian Air Force is preparing for a significant upgrade with the upcoming test of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)'s Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile. This missile, capable of hitting targets up to 130 km away, is a game-changer for India's air combat capabilities. The DRDO has been developing these missiles since 2001 to engage distant targets effectively. In this episo...

In the heat of election season, a recent report from The Guardian has sparked controversy. It claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office ordered assassinations in Pakistan, as revealed by Indian and Pakistani intelligence sources. According to the report, the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), an agency that PM Modi's office directly controls, had undertaken the strategy to "eliminate terr...

This week, China released a fresh list of 'renamed' places in Arunachal Pradesh. This was yet another attempt by Beijing to assert its claim over the north-eastern Indian state that for long China has claimed to be its "integral part". India called China's move to rename the places "senseless", saying, "Assigning invented names will not alter the reality that Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and wi...

Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, former chief of Air Staff, recently made headlines by joining the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2014, former Army Chief, General VK Singh, had also joined the party before the Lok Sabha elections. He had cited the BJP as the "only party" in India embodying nationalism, and not only did he join the party but he also clinched a ministerial role. In this...

Ever wondered what a high-tech futuristic modern war would look like, especially with Artifical Intelligence coming in? Where might conflicts arise, and who will be involved? How will these wars unfold, and what technologies will shape them? On this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor try to visualise the multifaceted nature of future warfare, from economic tactics to space mil...

From an ambitious fighter jet project to a landmark missile test, the last few days marked important milestones for the nation’s defence. India test-launched the nuclear capable Agni-V missile in a ‘multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle’, or MIRV, avatar. Just days before, the government gave the all-clear for the development of the AMCA, or Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, a fifth-gen...

This week, the Indian Navy made significant moves. They officially launched the first squadron of MH 60R Seahawk helicopters, boosting their surveillance and combat abilities at sea. The commissioning ceremony for the INAS 334 'Seahawks' naval air squadron took place at INS Garuda in Kochi. In addition, India opened a new naval base on Minicoy Island in the Indian Ocean, near the Maldives, amidst...