As China seeks to achieve “national rejuvenation” by its centenary in 2049, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders view a modern, capable, and “world-class” military as essential to achieving its revisionist aims (changing the current status quo) and overcoming what Beijing sees as an increasingly turbulent international environment. This is the guiding principle charting China’s national, economic, and military strategy. It is thus importantContinue reading “Military and Security Developments in China – India Needs to Build Conventional Capability”
Category Archives: Aircraft
India’s Deepening Military Aviation’s French Connection
The primacy of air power in future military operations has once again been re-established in the Ukraine conflict, West Asian showdowns, and most recently during Op Sindoor. Indian Air Force (IAF) is down to 29 fighter aircraft squadrons vis-à-vis the authorized 42.5. The last MiG-21 “Bison” squadron is being decommissioned this September. The LCA Mk1A is still mired by delays and will enter IAF serviceContinue reading “India’s Deepening Military Aviation’s French Connection”
The Wittty Vriti Show: Independence Day Special Pod cast Air Marshal Anil Chopra
In this Independence Day special episode of “The Wittty Vriti Show”, she brings an exclusive conversation with Air Marshal Anil Chopra, a distinguished veteran of the Indian Air Force. From sharing his remarkable journey as a fighter pilot to insights on India’s strategic defense, the evolution of iconic aircraft, and the sacrifices of military families,Continue reading “The Wittty Vriti Show: Independence Day Special Pod cast Air Marshal Anil Chopra”
KAAN, KF-21 and AMCA – Three Parallel Fifth Generation Programs
Fifth-generation fighter aircraft have been the flavour of all discussions on South Asia. A British Royal Navy F-35 fighter jet was stuck in Thiruvananthapuram, India for 37 days after a mid-air emergency forced it to land on June 14. It finally flew back to the UK on July 22. It put into question the logistic-maintenanceContinue reading “KAAN, KF-21 and AMCA – Three Parallel Fifth Generation Programs”
F-35 Has Complications. Accelerate AMCA – Private Consortium Approach the Best Way Forward
The AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program in India is considered urgent due to the country’s declining fighter squadron strength, the modernization of rival air forces, and the need to maintain a technological edge in air combat. The program aims to replace aging aircraft and introduce a fifth-generation fighter, addressing both operational and strategic requirements.Continue reading “F-35 Has Complications. Accelerate AMCA – Private Consortium Approach the Best Way Forward”
Op Sindoor: Indigenous Systems Gave India the Edge – More Needs to Be Done
Operation SINDOOR emerged as a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of Pakistan’s asymmetric warfare, one that increasingly targeted unarmed civilians along with military personnel. The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025 served as a grim reminder of this shift. India’s response was deliberate, precise, and strategic. Without physically crossing theContinue reading “Op Sindoor: Indigenous Systems Gave India the Edge – More Needs to Be Done “
Deep Drone Strikes New Dimension of Conflict – Lessons for India
Ukraine achieved its longest-range attack into Russia on Sunday, 01 June, hitting targets on four strategic military bases nearly 4,000 kilometres away from Ukrainian territory, and hitting around 40 Russian warplanes. Thirteen of these were reportedly destroyed, and others damaged. Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed that 117 drones were used in the so-called “Spider’s Web” operationContinue reading “Deep Drone Strikes New Dimension of Conflict – Lessons for India”
Make in India Rafale Fuselage – A Strategic Move Forward
In a big boost to Make-in-India, Dassault Aviation of France and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will partner for Rafale aircraft fuselage manufacturing at a dedicated facility in Hyderabad. The key structural sections of the aircraft to be manufactured in India include the central fuselage, rear section, lateral rear shells, and the front section.Continue reading “Make in India Rafale Fuselage – A Strategic Move Forward”
As China Accelerates Airpower, India Eyes Su-57 while Pushing AMCA
A British F-35B fighterjet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala nearly four weeks ago is finally being repaired by a team of UK specialists. If that fails, the aircraft will be dismantled and transported—likely in a C-17 Globemaster. The incident was closely observed by global and Indian security establishments, highlightingContinue reading “As China Accelerates Airpower, India Eyes Su-57 while Pushing AMCA “
B-2s Strike Iran with Bunker Buster MOAB – Understand Technology and Escalation Dynamics
US President Donald Trump described US military strikes on three nuclear sites as a “spectacular military success” and added that the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” He was addressing the world from the White House on Saturday evening. Trump warned Iran that the US could go after additional targets if Iran does not makeContinue reading “B-2s Strike Iran with Bunker Buster MOAB – Understand Technology and Escalation Dynamics”
Air Power Asia 