In Our Defence

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

83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft are awaiting American F404 engines, causing a 9-month delay and uncertainty over the indigenous fighter aircraft program. With rising concerns over delays, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) aims to deliver the first aircraft by August 15.

Tejas Mark 1A program is a pivotal project for the IAF.

But why the delay? Who is to blame?

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explain how these delays stem from production bottlenecks, certification issues, and a U.S. angle affecting the delivery of GE F404 engines—essential components for these jets. The hosts discuss the impact on the IAF, which urgently needs these jets due to its depleting squadron strength and the imminent phasing out of MiG 21 squadrons.

The duo also ponders whether "jugaad"—India's frugal innovation—suits defence, sharing when it's beneficial and when it falls short.

This and more in the 31st episode of In Our Defence.

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

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

PM Modi was in Moscow this week, marking his first visit to Russia since the country invaded Ukraine in 2022. The hug between Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin caused a global stir, drawing particular ire from Western nations and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into the relationship between India and Russia, analysing how it has evolved over various Indian administrations.

Looking at it more militarily, the defence duo answers why India heavily relies on Russian military equipment, detailing India's extensive inventory of Russian hardware, from Sukhoi jets and MiG series aircraft to T-90 and T-72 tanks. Russia’s cost-effective and reliable supplies have historically catered to India's defence needs.

What do Russia and India gain from this alliance? Is Russian military equipment the best choice for India? What are the challenges India faces in reducing its reliance on Russian arms? Has the Ukraine war exposed vulnerabilities in Russian equipment, prompting India to seek alternatives? ‘India realised this a long time ago,’ says Shiv. So, what does the future hold for the India-Russia defence relationship?

This and more in the 30th episode of In Our Defence.

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

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

 

India and France are negotiating a Rs 50,000-crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets. If finalised, these aircraft will be deployed on the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

Why the Rafale M? The French Rafale M emerged as the frontrunner against its competitor, the American Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Why does the Navy need a new fighter jet? The Indian Navy’s current fleet, primarily composed of ageing Sukhoi jets, is becoming obsolete. This decline in capability is driving the urgent need for new, modern fighters.

But how does the Rafale M differ from the IAF’s Rafale? Interestingly, the Rafale M predates the Air Force version. Despite this, France completed the delivery of all 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force in December 2022, following a Rs 59,000-crore deal signed in September 2016. Why didn't the Navy and Air Force consolidate their orders together? A joint deal could have potentially reduced post-purchase costs.

And why the repeated trials? If the government had already determined that the Rafale M was the best choice, why did they conduct another contest only to choose the same fighter jet again?

We tackle these tough questions and more. Tune in and share your thoughts at [email protected] or text us at 8588966996!

Produced by Anna Priydarshini

Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

India and the United States are progressing in their discussions to collaboratively produce the latest generation of Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs).

Initially, the project will involve a limited off-the-shelf acquisition of Strykers through the US Foreign Military Sales program. Subsequent phases will include joint production in India, culminating in the co-development of future versions.

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor discuss the American Stryker combat vehicles deal and the ICVs' battlefield applications. They raise the larger question: Does India need this deal? With private players like Mahindra, Tata, or Ashok Leyland, couldn't India build something similar, given that the Stryker ICVs have few exemplary specifications? “I am not saying that India can do better than the Stryker right now, but we sure can get close,” says Shiv. They also explore how a deal for armoured vehicles from the US might threaten the 'Make in India' initiative.

Moreover, the Canadian aspect of the deal cannot be ignored amid the flared-up diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. How will this be factored in and pan out?

Tune in to know more!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Nitin Rawat

This week, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited announced a significant development: the Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) as part of the government's push to boost defence indigenisation. Of these, 90 will be allocated to the Indian Army and 66 to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Currently, 15 Prachands are in service with the IAF and 5 with the Indian Army. The LCH was formally named Prachand in October 2022.

What Makes the Prachand Special?

The Prachand, a marvel of modern engineering, is the world's only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at 5,000 meters (16,400 ft). This unique feature makes it ideal for high-altitude operations in challenging areas like the Siachen glacier and eastern Ladakh. Equipped with a range of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, it can neutralise enemy air defence operations.

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore the significance of light combat helicopters, the history of the Prachand's development, and how it compares with the Boeing Apache, of which the IAF operates 22 and the Army 6.

The duo explores these key questions: Why do the Air Force and Army have separate combat helicopter divisions? Will the new acquisition reduce India's reliance on Western or foreign equipment? Can India achieve greater self-sufficiency in defence capabilities with these additions?

Tune in to find out!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi