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: Geopolitics & Strategy
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”
Pakistan Suspending Shimla Agreement –Advantage India?
Pakistan-backed terrorists killed nearly 28 innocent holidaymakers at Pahalgam on 22 April in a Hamas-style terror attack. Links to Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Pakistan Army were established early. Indian masses were angered and sought appropriate revenge. A slew of measures were announced by the Indian Government. India put the 1960 Indus Water TreatyContinue reading “Pakistan Suspending Shimla Agreement –Advantage India?”
Russia Pushed into Chinese Arms – Implications for India
Russia and China are two giant neighbours that occupy the largest landmass of Asia. Traditionally they have been two antagonist societies but often chose marriage of convenience. Their relations in the post-World War II era have been vacillating between extremes. By literally nudging Russia to invade Ukraine, and then confronting it strongly, the West pushedContinue reading “Russia Pushed into Chinese Arms – Implications for India”
Rajnath Singh in Moscow – Time-Tested Indo-Russia Defence Partnership
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Moscow on Sunday night on a 3-day visit. The Minister was received by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin. Rajnath Singh’s trip comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia in October. During that visit, PM Modi attended the 22nd India-Russia SummitContinue reading “Rajnath Singh in Moscow – Time-Tested Indo-Russia Defence Partnership”
Tanker Fleets Dominated by the West – Time for Russia and India to have their Own
USA led Western economic sanctions after the beginning of the Ukraine War included limiting Russian crude oil price to $60 per barrel. Since this did not work, the West imposed sanctions targeting the tankers used to ship Russia’s oil. But Russian oil exports actually increased, as Moscow found alternatives. China and India began buying RussianContinue reading “Tanker Fleets Dominated by the West – Time for Russia and India to have their Own”
Su-57 the Only Fifth Generation Interim Choice for India
A British F-35B fighter jet that had made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala nearly three weeks back has been finally moved to a hangar for assessment and potential repairs. The current plan is to attempt repairs locally with a team of UK specialists. If repairs are not feasible, the aircraft will be dismantled and transportedContinue reading “Su-57 the Only Fifth Generation Interim Choice for India”
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”
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”
Russia Needs Skilled Workforce – Old Friend India, Best to Make Good Shortages
Since the war with Ukraine, Russia is grappling with a major labour shortage in its industrial hubs and plans to bring in up to one million foreign workers, including Indians. The shortfall could widen to 3.1 million workers by 2030, says Russian Labour Ministry. To address the gap, the ministry wants to increase the quota for qualified foreign workersContinue reading “Russia Needs Skilled Workforce – Old Friend India, Best to Make Good Shortages”
Air Power Asia 