In Our Defence

Recently, an MQ-9B Predator drone leased to the Indian Navy by the US crashed into the sea off the Chennai coast due to a failure of its power generators and onboard batteries.

It was leased from the American firm General Atomics and suffered a power generator and battery failure, leading to a "controlled ditching" into the sea off the Chennai coast.

What does "ditched in a controlled manner" mean, and is this crash a concern for India?

Besides, the US has also approved the sale of 31 MQ-9 B-armed drones to India at an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion. The proposed mega drone deal was announced during PM Modi's state visit to the US in June 2023.

Under the deal, India will get 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, of which the Navy will get 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each of the land version – SkyGuardian.

But why did the deal take so long to finalise despite close diplomatic ties? Is leasing military equipment a viable long-term strategy for India?

How can India improve centralised drone operations across its armed services?

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor unpack these, also discussing the crash in the context of India’s growing defence relationship with the U.S., particularly agreements like COMCASA, which facilitate secure communication and intelligence sharing.

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Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

On September 17, hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies exploded simultaneously across Lebanon and parts of Syria, killing dozens and injuring hundreds. Was this another meticulously planned Mossad operation, echoing their history of high-stakes missions?

In the 40th episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into these recent coordinated explosions, dissecting how such an elaborate attack could have been planned and executed. What multiple failures in Hezbollah's security led to this devastating outcome?

They also explore the broader implications: How does this operation fit into Israel's regional strategy? What lessons can India draw about protecting its communication infrastructure as tensions escalate? The event is a sobering reminder of India's vulnerabilities tied to foreign-made devices, particularly from China, highlighting the urgent need for localised production.

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Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Nitin Rawat

The Indian Navy is set to finalise the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets by the end of this financial year. Indian Navy plans to equip the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant with these planes and develop a vital capability for the force on the maritime front.

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore the evolution of naval fighter jets in the Indian Navy—a subject that might seem niche but is crucial to India’s defence.

The hosts walk through the history of India's naval aviation, starting with the acquisition of the British aircraft carrier HMS Hercules, later INS Vikrant, and the arrival of Seahawk fighter jets in 1960. Why did India switch from British to Russian aircraft, with the MiG-29K replacing the Harriers?

As they discuss India’s push for self-reliance, they explore the challenges of transitioning the Light Combat Aircraft to a naval variant and why the Navy prefers twin-engine fighters. They highlight future projects like the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter, noting its promise and challenges. How will India balance its ambitions for indigenous fighters with its current defence needs?

The episode also touches on the increasing role of drones in naval operations, hinting at a future where combat drones could fly from aircraft carriers.

What does the future hold for India's naval aviation?

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Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore the future of India's armoured capabilities in light of the government's recent approval of ₹1,44,716 crore for capital acquisitions. This includes modernising the Indian Army's tank fleet through the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program.

The new tank FRCV aims to replace around 2,500 four-decade-old Soviet-origin T-72 tanks first acquired in 1982.

Why is the FRCV project necessary, and how does it address the shortcomings of previous tank modernisation efforts, such as the Arjun project? What is the current status of India's tank fleet, and how do the ageing T-72s and T-90s fit into the Army's broader defence strategy?

The Arjun tank project—marked by controversy and unmet expectations between the Army and DRDO—is analysed, with the hosts reflecting on its failures. The two explain this by giving an overview of tank evolution, from their roles in World Wars I and II to their enduring importance in modern warfare, particularly for India's territorial defence. The FRCV is seen as a corrective step, aiming to build a modern, modular, and agile tank capable of meeting diverse battlefield needs while fully indigenised.

But, some critics believe that the FCRV program seems like an Arjun 2.0. Is it?

Also, don’t miss the discussion on Sunil Shetty’s iconic tank-lifting scene in the movie Border—could it really happen?

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Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

India, a nation that has landed on the moon and built fighter jets, still imports basic infantry rifles. Why? The Ministry of Defence has recently signed a repeat order for 73,000 SIG716 rifles from the U.S., with delivery expected by the end of 2025. This follows an earlier procurement of 72,400 rifles in 2019.

The move has sparked controversy, highlighting India's continued reliance on foreign arms despite its advanced defence capabilities.

In this episode of "In Our Defence," host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor examine India's ongoing struggle with small arms procurement. They question why India still depends on emergency imports despite private companies like SSS Defence developing advanced firearms. What does this say about the nation's defence policies?

The episode delves into the failures of the INSAS rifle and the contradictions in India's defence policies. Are domestic manufacturers being sidelined by the import lobby? What does this reliance on foreign weapons mean for India's strategic autonomy? Shiv calls for a systemic shift towards supporting domestic innovation and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, questioning why a nation that excels in complex engineering can't produce its own infantry rifles.

Revisit our INS Arighat episode here:https://podcasts.indiatoday.in/politics-&-history/in-our-defence/indias-nuclear-saga-from-peace-to-power-in-our-defence-s02-ep-12-896714-2024-02-22

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

In the world of special operations, India is home to three elite forces: the Garud (Air Force), MARCOS (Navy), and Para SF (Army). Each unit has its own specialisation—Para SF excels in high-altitude, counter-insurgency, and surgical strikes; MARCOS are maritime experts; and Garud Commandos focus on airfield protection and counter-hijacking.

In response to popular demand from our listeners, this episode delves into the Para SF, offering insights into their vital role in national security.

Ever wondered what sets special forces apart from the regular army? How does Para SF work? What does their intense training look like? And what really happens during the 90-day probation period–a brutal challenge often considered a personal hell that pushes every recruit to its limits before earning the Balidan badge.

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore this while analysing how Indian Special Forces training compares internationally and what impact has the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) had on streamlining operations since its inception in 2019.

The two also discuss how Special Forces personnel transition to regular army roles or civilian life, highlighting their adaptability, which is shaped by intense training and experience.

Tune in to get a glimpse into the lives of those who operate in the shadows and beyond.

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

What exactly is air defence? At its core, it intercepts incoming aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, or missiles. But, achieving this requires sophisticated technology and coordination.

So, why do you need a wide range of air missile systems? What different air defence systems do we have, and is the Russian-made S-400 system, hailed for its advanced capabilities and 450-kilometer range, our best?

Host Dev Goswami and Shiv Aroor explain the concept, with Shiv elaborating on the country's multi-layered air defence, which consists of concentric protective circles with varying ranges and capabilities.

The two look at the many surface-to-air based air defence systems that are operated by the Indian military and illustrate how the setup functions in real time. The episode also examines the complicated interplay between the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy when it comes to the command and control of these varied systems.

Also on this episode is an unsparing examination of the unfortunate incident of an Indian air defence system shooting down the military’s own helicopter, leading the deaths of six Indian Air Force personnel and one civilian the day after the Balakot airstrike. What went wrong on that fateful day? This episode brings you the answers. Tune in!

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

The skies over Sulur came alive with the launch of Exercise Tarang Shakti, India’s first multinational air exercise, on August 6 in Tamil Nadu. This significant event, the largest of its kind in India, is taking place in two phases: the first in Sulur from August 6 to 14 and the second in Jodhpur from August 29 to September 14.

Ten countries, including Australia, France, Germany, and the USA, are participating with their aircraft, while 18 others are observing.

But what exactly is an air exercise? Why is a multinational air exercise important? And why Sulur?

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor discuss how these exercises, designed to enhance coordination, teamwork, and operational readiness, are crucial in strengthening international relations and collective security. The participation of India’s Indigenous LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Rafale jets highlights India’s defence capabilities, though delays have prevented the Tejas Mark 1A from being showcased.

The duo also answers how profound the impact of such exercises is on India’s global standing and diplomatic influence.

Listen in for an in-depth analysis!

Please tune in and share your thoughts at [email protected] or text us at 8588966996!

Revisit our episodes on:

Tejas:https://podcasts.indiatoday.in/politics-&-history/in-our-defence/america-to-blame-for-tejas-delay-in-our-defence-s02-ep-31-1052148-2024-07-18

HAL: https://podcasts.indiatoday.in/politics-&-history/in-our-defence/prachand-is-here-decoding-indias-light-combat-helicopter-mission-in-our-defence-s02-ep-27-1032522-2024-06-20

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

It’s been 25 years since the Kargil war. We delve into the factors behind India's victory and the major intelligence failures that caused the conflict. The critical lapse was the intelligence oversight that allowed Pakistani forces to occupy high positions unchallenged, particularly due to inadequate surveillance during winter months.

We address pertinent questions: What major intelligence failures led to the Kargil War? How did young officers contribute to India's victory? What were the key recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee, and why were they not fully implemented? How can India improve its defence readiness based on lessons from the Kargil War?

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor analyse these points through personal experiences, factual recounting, and evaluations of military strategies and institutional reforms. They also discuss the Indian Air Force's operations during Operation Safed Sagar, highlighting the challenges of high altitude and the adaptation of Mirage aircraft with imported munitions.

Listen in for an in-depth analysis!

Please tune in and share your thoughts at [email protected] or text us at 8588966996!

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

The Indian Navy’s INS Brahmaputra warship, docked at the Mumbai Dockyard for refitting, was overturned earlier this week under mysterious circumstances. What started with a fire on Sunday has led to significant damage and the disappearance of a sailor. With a Rear Admiral now probing the incident, what are the implications for the ship's future usability and the broader safety and maintenance of Indian naval vessels?

Salvaging the Brahmaputra is a challenging and costly endeavour. But such incidents aren't entirely new to the Indian Navy. Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor outline a history of significant accidents in the past two decades, especially between 2013 and 2014, when a series of mishaps led to the resignation of then-Navy Chief Admiral DK Joshi.

What challenges does the Navy face in maintaining assets in congested dockyard environments like Mumbai?

The duo also discuss other naval mishaps involving the INS Chakra and INS Arihant, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining and operating complex naval machinery, especially nuclear submarines.

Tune in as we review the Navy's safety record and the warship's future!

Please tune in and share your thoughts at [email protected] or text us at 8588966996!

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Nitin Rawat