In Our Defence

Latest Episodes:

Retired Soldier Explains the Difference Between Lashkar, Jaish and Hizbul Terrorists | IOD S3 E6 May 07, 2025

Show notes

In this gripping episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami sits down with Major LS Chaudhary (Retd.) to explore the reality of counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, and the rigorous training life at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA). From close-quarters combat against Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists to the psychological toll of surviving a life-altering injury, Major Chaudhary gives a rare, first-person account of what it truly means to serve in a conflict zone.
The episode also focuses on the reality of counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, and what people usually get wrong about such operations.
Finally, the episode dives deep into the discipline, myths, and unfiltered truths of military training—the relationship between cadets and drill ustaads, the secret rule-breaking, iconic NDA/IMA moments, and the real story of actor Hrithik Roshan being corrected on set by a drill instructor during the filming of Lakshya.
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Aman Pal

How Does Military Intelligence Work? | Pahalgam Attack Aftermath | IOD S3 Ep 5 Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'In Our Defence', Dev Goswami talks to Major Manik M Jolly about his time in military intelligence, how to gather information after a major terrorist attack like Pahalgam, and how accurate is the "intelligence failure" question that is being asked.
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Kashmiri Exodus to Leadership in the Indian Navy Ft. Commander Naveen Pandita | IOD, S03, Ep 4 Apr 17, 2025

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In the latest episode of In Our Defence, Commander Naveen Pandita (Retd.) joins host Dev Goswami for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation that spans the valleys of Kashmir to the decks of warships and the skies above the sea.
Born in the Kashmir Valley, Commander Pandita reflects on his early childhood battling a life-threatening illness, the harrowing memory of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of 1990, his journey through the prestigious RIMC and NDA, and finally life in the Indian Navy. As a Naval Aviator and warship commander, he shares rare insights into life in uniform - from flying reconnaissance missions in the Dornier 228 and the iconic IL-38 Sea Dragon to leading air squadrons and captaining INS Agray.
Commander Pandita recounts tales from NDA, close calls while flying, and leadership lessons learned over 15 transfers in 21 years. Tune in!

Real life stories from a soldier serving in Siachen | Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee | IOD, S03, Ep 3 Apr 10, 2025

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What does it take to lead soldiers in the world's harshest battlefield? In this episode of In Our Defence, Major General Sudhakar Jee (Retd.) shares powerful lessons in leadership drawn from his deployments in Siachen and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) against China.
Through gripping personal anecdotes, General Jee takes host Dev Goswami through what it means to command troops in freezing altitudes, under constant threat, and in terrain that tests not just physical endurance but mental clarity. We explore the burden of leadership in high-stakes environments, how officers manage their men in the face of danger, and what India's military posture along the LAC reveals about evolving strategic priorities with respect to the border standoff with China. Tune in!
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Aman Pal

Kashmir through the eyes of a soldier Ft. Maj Gen Sanjay Soi (retd) | IOD, S03, Ep 2 Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of In Our Defence, Major General Sanjay Soi (retired) joins host Dev Goswami as he recounts his time serving in Jammu and Kashmir. From his first posting and the experience of facing enemy fire to counter-insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley, Maj Gen Soi shares several anecdotes and insights from his experience serving in the state. The retired officers also shares his perspective on the recent developments in the Jammu and Kashmir, especially the rise in violence seen in the Jammu region and the funnelling in of weapons that the United States left behind during its withdrawal from Afghanistan. This and more on the latest episode of In Our Defence. Tune in!
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Army's Famed Gorkhas and Tales of their Valour Ft. Major Manik M Jolly | IOD, S03, Ep 1 Mar 25, 2025

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In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami sits down with Major Manik M Jolly, a former Indian Army officer who served in the Gorkha regiment before moving to Military Intelligence. From humorous anecdotes about cultural misunderstandings to deeply emotional experiences of delivering the body of a fallen soldier, Major Jolly shares his journey of leadership, courage, and cultural integration within the Indian Army. Tune in to hear fascinating insights about what makes the Gorkhas such legendary soldiers and the realities of commanding men in combat.
Tune in!
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Tejas Delays: Can HAL deliver & what's the future for Indian Air Force's fighters? | IOD, S02, Ep 58 Mar 05, 2025

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With deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet delayed by nearly a year, big questions remains on what it will take to plug the Indian Air Force's fighter jet shortfall. What will it take for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to get the Tejas production line up and running at the speed that the Indian Air Force requires? Is the entry of the private sector to help boost the production of the indigenous fighter jet all but a given now? Also, is there serious thought being put to figuring a roadmap to ensure that the Air Force is never faced with such a capability and technology gap?
Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor discuss and analyse these questions as they bring the second season of In Our Defence to a close. The two talk about how the Tejas project is just right on the horizon but not quite there yet and how this is going to be the proverbial do-or-die moment of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The two also look at some of the tough decisions that military planners in the government will be faced with as they attempt to figure out a roadmap for the Indian Air Force's future fighter jet inductions.
Tune in as Dev and Shiv break down a topic that became the top focus over the courwse of In Our Defence's Season 2.
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

HAL's bittersweet Aero India: A Yashas trainer surprise and a Tejas dressing down | Iod, S02, Ep 57 Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

This episode delves into the bittersweet story of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's efforts to develop and build an intermediate trainer jet for the Indian Air Force. This is a project that faced multiple delays, technical issues and questions over safety. It is a project that was nearly written off and considered by many to have been shelved.
However, the determined team at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had other plans. On this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore the story of Project Sitara, which given a grand showcase at the recent Aero India show in its new avatar - Hindustan Trainer Jet Yashas.
Also featured in the discussion between the two is another moment from Aero India, which coincidently took place right in the cockpit of the HAL Yashas placed on display at the show. This is the Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh's sharp remarks for HAL officials over the delay in the deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet.
What was behind the IAF chief's public outburst? Dev and Shiv explore and this and more on the latest episode of In Our Defence.
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

Trump-Modi call and US push to buy American: What's behind the defence sales push?| IOD, S02, Ep 55 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

A single line in the White House readout of President Donald Trump's call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised eyebrows-the President emphasized the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment. But why was this message made so explicit? What exactly is Trump pushing India to buy, and where is this pressure coming from?
In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor dive into the evolution of India-US defense ties, from past sanctions to multi-billion-dollar deals, and examine the key American defense platforms India has already acquired. The two also discuss potential purchases that could be on the table under Trump's push, including fighter jets, drones, and missile defense systems. Finally, the two explore India's strategic options -- how can New Delhi balance growing ties with Washington while maintaining its commitment to self-reliance and Make in India?
Produced by Garvit Srivastava
Sound Mix by Rohan Bharti

Pinaka Success Story: Why Indian Army is in love with this rocket system| IOD, S02, Ep 54 Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor dive into the remarkable success story of the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system—an outlier in India's indigenous weapons development journey. Despite challenges that have plagued many homegrown defense projects, Pinaka stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when the armed forces, scientists, and private industry come together with a shared vision.
The two explore how the Indian Army’s unwavering support for the system, from its inception in the late 1980s to its present-day deployments, played a pivotal role in its success. Unlike other indigenous projects that struggled for acceptance, the Army threw its weight behind Pinaka from day one, ensuring the project’s progress with consistent orders and operational confidence.
The episode also shines a light on the groundbreaking public-private partnership that powers the Pinaka system. The collaboration between DRDO, Tata Advanced Systems, and Larsen & Toubro has delivered a system that rivals international counterparts, offering rapid-fire capabilities, versatility in terrain, and a range of cutting-edge features.
Produced by Garvit Srivastava
Sound Mix by Suraj Singh

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