The broader lesson is modern warfare increasingly depends on integration, says Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd)in interview with Javaria Rana Operation Sindoor put India’s air power doctrine to a live test. Fighters, loitering munitions, precision-strike weapons and integrated air defences all delivered results. But broader questions linger. A shrinking fighter squadron strength, delays in indigenousContinue reading “‘The future isn’t manned vs unmanned’”
Author Archives: Anil Chopra
IAF Chief in France – Likely Contours of the Rafale Deal
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh was on an important four-day visit to France to advance the mega ₹3.25 lakh crore ($39 billion) deal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets. This visit came immediately after the Indian Defence Ministry issued a formal Letter of Request (LoR) to the French government.Continue reading “IAF Chief in France – Likely Contours of the Rafale Deal”
Noida’s Jewar Airport Begins Operations – Big Leap for India’s Civil Aviation
Finally, the wait is over! On June 15, 2026, Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL) officially began commercial operations, marking a historic milestone for the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh. The first scheduled flight was operated by IndiGo, arriving from Lucknow, ushering in a new chapter for air connectivity in the region. India‘s PrimeContinue reading “Noida’s Jewar Airport Begins Operations – Big Leap for India’s Civil Aviation”
Regional Threats in Focus, Unsure of US Security Umbrella, Japan to Develop and Export Lethal Weapons
Japan had officially eased its post-World War II, decades-long ban on exporting lethal weapons. The government approved new guidelines allowing the export of defence equipment including fighter jets, missiles, and destroyers. It marked a major shift in its security policy and accelerated a move toward “remilitarization” in response to regional tensions. The policy represented aContinue reading “Regional Threats in Focus, Unsure of US Security Umbrella, Japan to Develop and Export Lethal Weapons”
Kalpasar Project – Where Ambition Meets Economic and Water Security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands on May 16–17, 2026, resulted in a historic upgrade of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership (2026–2030). While there was a landmark technology partnership between Tata Electronics and Dutch equipment major ASML for semiconductor manufacturing in India, both nations finalized a Green Hydrogen Roadmap and a CriticalContinue reading “Kalpasar Project – Where Ambition Meets Economic and Water Security”
Pakistan and the Abraham Accords – Struck Between Jaws of the Vise
US President Donald Trump wanted Pakistan and some other Muslim-majority nations to normalize ties with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords. The Pakistani media and analysts went abuzz analysing benefits and the repercussions for Islamabad. In the last year, Donald Trump repeatedly praised Pakistan‘s civilian and military leaders for their support in the Iran war.Continue reading “Pakistan and the Abraham Accords – Struck Between Jaws of the Vise”
PM Modi Visits Japan – Strategic Congruence of Two Major Asian Countries
PM Modi will travel to Japan on August 30, where he will participate in the 17th annual India-Japan Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. It will be PM Modi’s 8th visit to this strategically important friend of India. The only countries he has made a large number of visits to are the USA (10),Continue reading “PM Modi Visits Japan – Strategic Congruence of Two Major Asian Countries”
Harnessing Military and Civilian Ship Building – The Way Forward India
Adapting civilian platforms for military use can speed up defence production while increasing standardization, the CEO of Norway‘s Kongsberg Gruppen, Geir Haoy, said, as pressure to boost military spending in Europe grows under President Donald Trump. “The processes need to be simplified so that we get the speed up,” he said. The question is “HowContinue reading “Harnessing Military and Civilian Ship Building – The Way Forward India”
HAL Light Utility Helicopter Getting All Set for Induction – Great Milestone for Atmanirbharta
As Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) continues to hog the limelight due to delivery delays of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’, and the grounding of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) after a recent fatal accident, there is a success story unfolding in the background. It is the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) which is required byContinue reading “HAL Light Utility Helicopter Getting All Set for Induction – Great Milestone for Atmanirbharta”
Global Security Environment – Time for Capability Linked Defence Budgeting India
India is getting all set to showcase its military might at the 76th Republic Day. This will be followed by the Union Budget being presented on 01 February 2025. While the masses look for nation-building and social welfare schemes, and relief on taxes, the security establishment and global community analyze the defence allocation. India remainsContinue reading “Global Security Environment – Time for Capability Linked Defence Budgeting India”