War in Ukraine and the Indo-Pakistan “Op Sindoor” have demonstrated an environment of “Aerial Denial”. This has happened because of ground-based mobile air defence systems with considerably long-range engagement capabilities and very long air-to-air missiles (AAM) with high no-escape zones. This has meant preventing the adversary aircraft from not only crossing into own territory, but keeping a farther distanceContinue reading “Are AEW&C Conceding Space to Satellites in View of Long-Range Missiles?”
Tag Archives: History
26 Rafale for Navy – Add IAF’s 114 and “Make-in-India-for-the-World”
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, approved a nearly ₹63,000-crore deal for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy, official sources confirmed. The contract is expected to be concluded later this month. It includes 22 single-seater jets that can operate from aircraft carriers and fourContinue reading “26 Rafale for Navy – Add IAF’s 114 and “Make-in-India-for-the-World””
China the Fastest Growing Maritime Power – Time to keep a Track and Act
In 1980s Deng Xiaoping, and later by subsequent leaders of the People’s Republic of China, the country has been opening up to the world, developing on the basis of a market economy with “Chinese characteristics”. The economic growth and consequent trade required the country to once again look to the sea. Without ceasing to beContinue reading “China the Fastest Growing Maritime Power – Time to keep a Track and Act”
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?”
PM Modi’s Visit to Sri Lanka – Rejuvenating an Important Relationship
Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a significant two-day official visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, his first overseas trip after securing a historic third term. The visit reinforced India’s Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP) and strategic focus on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). During the visit, Modi and newly elected Sri Lankan President Anura KumaraContinue reading “PM Modi’s Visit to Sri Lanka – Rejuvenating an Important Relationship”
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”
AI 171 – Automation Failure or Human Error Aircrew – Don’t Create Fall Guys
Allegations of human error is “deeply insensitive,” says the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) after the preliminary report on Air India flight 171 crash was released. In an official statement, the ICPA called the accusations and allegations against the pilots and flight crew a “gross violation” and “disservice to the profession.” “In the aftermath ofContinue reading “AI 171 – Automation Failure or Human Error Aircrew – Don’t Create Fall Guys”
‘Tiger Squadron’ Birth of Military Aviation in India
October 1932 was a historic month for Indian Aviation. Indian Air Force was officially established on 08 October and on 15 October JRD Tata of Tata Airlines flew his aircraft beginning an airmail service between Karachi and Madras via Ahmedabad and Bombay. The month thus marked the birth of both military and civil aviation inContinue reading “‘Tiger Squadron’ Birth of Military Aviation in India”
The Iconic MiG-21- Great Design – Most Produced Supersonic Jet – Fearsome Reputation – Glorious Service
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is finally all set to retire its MiG-21 fleet in September 2025 after over 60 years of glorious service. They protected the Indian skies through all major conflicts. The author honed his combat flying skills on this aircraft starting in 1974. And later was the Team Leader of MiG 21Continue reading “The Iconic MiG-21- Great Design – Most Produced Supersonic Jet – Fearsome Reputation – Glorious Service”
Air Power Asia 