Turkey’s support to Pakistan during Op Sindoor is well known and was flagged by India during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, China, in early September. Turkey has provided Pakistan with defence hardware, including uninhabited aerial systems (UAS) and drones. Pakistani engineers and technicians have been working at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI),Continue reading “Turkey-Pakistan Strategic Closeness – Implications & Challenges India”
Author Archives: Anil Chopra
China Opens ‘Arctic Express’ Shipping Route – Need to Push Indian Maritime Corridors
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang province of China launched the world’s first China–Europe Arctic Express in September, achieving the “Polar Silk Road” vision with a record 18-day transit. The container vessel “Istanbul Bridge” set off from Beiyi Container Terminal on its maiden voyage to Felixstowe, the largest container port in the United Kingdom. This new routeContinue reading “China Opens ‘Arctic Express’ Shipping Route – Need to Push Indian Maritime Corridors”
USA NDAA 2026 Acknowledges Gaps and Emphasis on Regaining Technology Superiority – Ideas India?
The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025, after it was passed with wide margins by the US House of Representatives and US Senate. The passage marked the 65th consecutive time the NDAA received approval, making it one of the most enduring pieces ofContinue reading “USA NDAA 2026 Acknowledges Gaps and Emphasis on Regaining Technology Superiority – Ideas India?”
Su-57 and GCAP Goading India – What are Best Fifth Generation Options India
Russia’s Su-57 “Felon” fifth-generation stealth fighter once again enthralled spectators at the recent Dubai Airshow. As India prepares to host President Putin, defence cooperation has moved to the centre. Expectations around Putin’s visit are high. Su-57 collaboration and five additional S-400 systems are expected to be the starred points of discussion. It could mean theContinue reading “Su-57 and GCAP Goading India – What are Best Fifth Generation Options India”
IAF Becoming a Future Ready Force Imbibing Next-Gen technologies
Wars in Ukraine, West Asia, and closer home, “Op Sindoor” have been dominated by use of air power. Aerospace has become the most preferred means of prosecution of war and has seen the fastest evolution since WW II. Recent wars have highlighted the importance of cheaper drones, air defence systems, and innovative exploitation of platformsContinue reading “IAF Becoming a Future Ready Force Imbibing Next-Gen technologies”
Rafale F4/F5 Getting Closer to the Make in India Deal
A suspected leak from France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces a few days back suggests that India intends to procure 90 Rafale F4 multirole fighter aircraft, with an additional option for 24 next-generation Rafale F5 variants for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF had also reportedly moved a case for possible purchase of 114Continue reading “Rafale F4/F5 Getting Closer to the Make in India Deal”
Global Aggressor Fighter Aircraft Squadrons – IAF’s CoBRA a Unique Blend
After the Balakot air strikes and the more recent Op Sindoor, aerial engagements remained a subject of intense debate and continue to do so. Aerial engagements have hogged maximum news headlines since aviation began. Baron von Richthofen, or the Red Baron, was a fighter pilot with the German Air Force during World War I. HeContinue reading “Global Aggressor Fighter Aircraft Squadrons – IAF’s CoBRA a Unique Blend”
Putin Visit – Significant Outcomes – Global Signalling of Reinforced Strategic Autonomy
As the world remains mired in wars, sanctions, and Trump tariffs, India and Russia played cool and moved substantially forward on constructive engagement in multiple disciplines. Bonhomie and mutual respect was displayed when Prime Minister Modi received President Putin at the base of the aircraft ladder and then drove him in his “made-in-India” Toyota Fortuner while Putin’s high security, specially flown-in, “Aurus Senat limousine” remained standing by. Putin’sContinue reading “Putin Visit – Significant Outcomes – Global Signalling of Reinforced Strategic Autonomy”
Putin’s Visit to New Delhi – Hopes and Realities of Military Aviation Deals
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4-5. The visit is part of the annual bilateral summit which started in 2000, and there have been 22 such summits alternatively in India and Russia. The visit is set to reinforce “special and privileged strategic partnership”, and exchange views on regional and global issues amid increasing Western pressure on India. ThisContinue reading “Putin’s Visit to New Delhi – Hopes and Realities of Military Aviation Deals”
2026 outlook: India set to rise amid a turbulent world
As we come to the end of the year 2025, we have seen the ongoing trend of chaos, conflict, and, at times, confusion in the geopolitical arena. The war in Ukraine continues, with a possible closure in 2026. Much to European angst, Vladimir Putin, the “Wizard of the Kremlin”, continues to stand steadfast and call the shots in his ownContinue reading “2026 outlook: India set to rise amid a turbulent world”
Air Power Asia 