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”
Category Archives: Geopolitics
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”
Su-35s for Iran How Does it Change Dynamics with Israel
Iran has purchased Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, amid Western concerns about Iran and Russia’s growing military cooperation. Ali Shadmani, the deputy coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters, who was quoted by media, did not clarify how many jets were purchased or whether they had already been delivered to Iran. “Whenever necessary, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land, and navalContinue reading “Su-35s for Iran How Does it Change Dynamics with Israel”
Pakistan Pushing for J-35 Fifth Generation Aircraft – Way Ahead India
Midst of Op Sindoor, Pakistan once again announced that it will start acquiring around 40 Chinese fifth-generation fighter J-35A, as early as August 2025. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly finalized the logistics and financing details of the J-35 fighter jet deal during his visit to China immediately after Op Sindoor. Can China fast-track the production and deliveries of an aircraft which has just begun production remains aContinue reading “Pakistan Pushing for J-35 Fifth Generation Aircraft – Way Ahead India”
China Dominating Lithium the Strategic Mineral that’s Critical for Modern Technologies – Way Ahead India
Lithium is a strategic mineral that’s critical for modern technologies, and it’s in high demand globally. Lithium is used in batteries for electric cars, laptops, smartphones, and power tools. Lithium batteries are used in military equipment for power in weapons systems, electronics, and propulsion. They are more relevant because they are lightweight, have a long storage life,Continue reading “China Dominating Lithium the Strategic Mineral that’s Critical for Modern Technologies – Way Ahead India”
If America Thins Down, How Will Europe Alone secure itself Against Russia
The world is gradually becoming multipolar. US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine has yet to be made public, but it is already quite clear that he expects Europe to play a far bigger role in the continent’s future security and contain Russia. In fact, he doesn’t even consider Russia as an adversary andContinue reading “If America Thins Down, How Will Europe Alone secure itself Against Russia “
Protecting Under Sea Cables – New Strategic Challenge and Imperative
A cut in the Red Sea cable on September 08, disrupted internet services across India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. The outage also affected the UAE, where networks like Etisalat and Du slowed down. It shows how much of the global internet relies on undersea cables. The problem came from two major cables: the SMW4Continue reading “Protecting Under Sea Cables – New Strategic Challenge and Imperative”
Morale in the Boots – Xi’s Continuous Purge of PLA Generals – Corruption or Insecurity?
The purge saga in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues. The latest names of senior military officials, as tweeted by Jennifer Zeng, a writer, reporter & China expert, who reportedly have been removed from their posts are, Wang Haijiang, Commander of the Western Theatre Command; Wang Peng, Minister of the Training and Administration Department ofContinue reading “Morale in the Boots – Xi’s Continuous Purge of PLA Generals – Corruption or Insecurity?”
Military and Security Developments in China – India Needs to Build Conventional Capability
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”