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”

In a world of ‘might is right’: Could Japan, South Korea go nuclear?

Ukraine voluntarily renounced its vast Soviet-era nuclear arsenal after independence, transferring all nuclear warheads to Russia by 1996 in exchange for security assurances via the 1994 Budapest Memorandum from the US, UK, and Russia, but now deeply regrets this decision following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion, which it calls broken promises.Continue reading “In a world of ‘might is right’: Could Japan, South Korea go nuclear?”

Mediterranean QUAD: Will India Join 3+1 Grouping To Counter “Islamic NATO”? Can UAE Join In Amid Saudi Rift? OPED

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is scheduled to visit the Indian capital, New Delhi, amid flaring tensions in the Middle East. In Iran, the United States is mulling an attack on the Islamic Republic amid raging protests in the country and possibly even removing the Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, from power. TensionsContinue reading “Mediterranean QUAD: Will India Join 3+1 Grouping To Counter “Islamic NATO”? Can UAE Join In Amid Saudi Rift? OPED”

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”

Russian Systems Get Showcased – BrahMos and S 400 – The Clear Winners of OP Sindoor

As “Op Sindoor”, the India–Pakistan conflict, has been put on a temporary pause, it is time to reflect on what happened. For the first time after the “Battle of Britain”, and the 1950 Korean War, two near-peer air forces were engaged in an air campaign. This was also the first conflict between two nuclear powers.Continue reading “Russian Systems Get Showcased – BrahMos and S 400 – The Clear Winners of OP Sindoor”

The Indian Air Force Bids Adieu to Iconic MiG-21

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. India was among the three major operators after the Soviet Union and China (licensed variant Chengdu J-7). The iconic MiG-21 protected the Indian skies through all major conflicts. Its retirement isContinue reading “The Indian Air Force Bids Adieu to Iconic MiG-21”

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”

Chinese Working on Ejectable Cockpits for High Supersonic Flight – Time India Made Ejection Seats

China is reportedly developing ejectable cockpit systems for high-supersonic aircraft, with research papers and potential visual evidence of related test aircraft emerging. This technology aims to improve crew safety during high-speed flight and is linked to the development of advanced hypersonic and supersonic aircraft, potentially for both military and civilian applications. The research points to a modular escape system designed to detach from theContinue reading “Chinese Working on Ejectable Cockpits for High Supersonic Flight – Time India Made Ejection Seats”