India has just approved the lease of two additional General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aircraft for the Indian Navy. The approval was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and is being seen as a significant boost to India’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities along its borders and across theContinue reading “With MQ-9 Deal Indo-US Military Aviation Ties Move Further Ahead”
Category Archives: Defence & Military Technology
77th Republic Day – Uncertain World – India Biding Time and Carving Own Geo-Strategic Place
As India prepares for its 77th Republic Day, it is all set to welcome European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa as the chief guests. Republic Day is not merely a national celebration, but it is a tribute to the day the Indian Constitution came into force, shaping IndiaContinue reading “77th Republic Day – Uncertain World – India Biding Time and Carving Own Geo-Strategic Place”
As IAF Hits 92 – Atmanirbharta in Military Aviation Most Important
Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to celebrate its 92nd anniversary. It has just wrapped the mother-of-all-exercises the “Tarang Shakti”, the greatest multi-lateral exercise ever in India. Earlier IAF conducted exercise “Vayu Shakti” in February, and participated in tri-services “Bharat Shakti” exercise in March 2024. The aerospace industry accounts for nearly 40 percent ofContinue reading “As IAF Hits 92 – Atmanirbharta in Military Aviation Most Important”
Modernization Priorities of Military Aviation & Make in India Options and Realities
For many decades after independence, Indian Armed Forces imported military hardware from long-term friend and strategic ally Soviet Union and Russia. Also France became a significant source for military aviation supplies to India. From the 1990s, Israel, and since 2008, the United States (US) have also been important sources. India continues to be one ofContinue reading “Modernization Priorities of Military Aviation & Make in India Options and Realities”
Need for Healthy Mix of Public Private Participation in India’s Defence Production
Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence is the flavour of the season in India. India’s defence manufacturing sector is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of the country’s strategic and economic ambitions. The government policies and initiatives are driving “Design” or certainly Make-in-India. Over 5,000 items are in the Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), 75 percent defence capital budgetContinue reading “Need for Healthy Mix of Public Private Participation in India’s Defence Production”
Challenges of Russia India China (RIC) Grouping and Way Forward
India is still amidst the aftermath of “Operation Sindoor”, in which they watched China very actively supporting its strongest ally Pakistan with hardware, intelligence and command and control, and global narrative building. China and India have continued to have military showdowns on their borders every few years. US-led NATO is most openly supporting Ukraine against Russia. Adversary of USA, China has been tacitly backing Russia. In its desire not to antagonise USA, India has chosen a neutralContinue reading “Challenges of Russia India China (RIC) Grouping and Way Forward”
China’s Threatening Exercises around Taiwan – Dummy Run For Invasion – But Taiwan No Walk Over
China encircled Taiwan in massive military display. Chinese military rehearsed blockade of island’s north and south and carried out 10 hours of live-firing drills around the threatened island. Taiwan said that China was simulating strikes on US-made weapons. USA and Europeans condemned China’s drills. Earlier in December 2025, the US NDAA for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 authorized up to $11.1 billion for Taiwan under the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative. Largest US arms package for Taiwan includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, JavelinContinue reading “China’s Threatening Exercises around Taiwan – Dummy Run For Invasion – But Taiwan No Walk Over”
India & Israel – The Unshakable Aerospace Bond – Scope for More Cooperation
The possible Turkey-Pakistan–Saudi Arabia alliance became a major geopolitical development after reports emerged that Ankara was in advanced talks to join the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025. This pact treats any aggression against one member as an attack on all, mirroring NATO‘s Article 5. The trilateral bloc, if materialized, would combine Saudi Arabia’s massive financial resources, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal & largeContinue reading “India & Israel – The Unshakable Aerospace Bond – Scope for More Cooperation”
Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh – Operational Status and Strategic Significance
India has fully operationalized the Changthang Nyoma (Mudh) airbase in Ladakh, making it fit even for fighter aircraft. Nyoma is a Tehsil under Leh district, a principal village of southern Ladakh, with a population of under 1,000. This tehsil borders the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China on the south and the east. The eastern border, a Line of Actual Control (LAC) resulting from the 1962 war with China, runs alongContinue reading “Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh – Operational Status and Strategic Significance”
China Continues Testing to Bridge Nuclear Gap with USA – India Needs to Act
President Donald Trump explained that resuming nuclear weapon testing was needed as many countries like China, Russia, North Korea and Pakistan, are conducting nuclear tests, and it’s ‘appropriate that the US also does it’. Meanwhile, during China’s September 03, 2025 parade to celebrate 80th anniversary of its victory against Japan, China showcased the considerably expanding and modernising nuclear arsenal. For the past five years, China has been engaging inContinue reading “China Continues Testing to Bridge Nuclear Gap with USA – India Needs to Act”
Air Power Asia 