In Our Defence

Latest Episodes:

Nuclear-powered attack submarines cleared: How these ‘sharks’ will give Indian Navy new teeth | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 43 Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Can you picture a ship that can stay hidden under water for months on end, manoeuvre sharply and speedily, and surface at just at the right time, literally out of the blue, to wreak havoc on the enemy?
That's a nuclear-powered attack submarine, or SSN, for you. Nuclear strategist Rear Admiral Raja Menon (retired) once called these submarines "the ultimate arbiter of sea power".
But what it is about these submarines that makes them so lethal? Dev Goswami and Shiv Aroor take a deep dive on this and much more on the latest episode of In Our Defence.
The Cabinet Committee on Security recently gave the go-ahead to develop and build two of these ‘sharks’ under a project that has been long pending.
On this episode, Dev and Shiv take a look at the super capabilities of nuclear-powered attack submarines, why the Indian Navy desperately needs them, and edge that the two now under-development sharks will give once they are in service.
Crucially, the two also discuss why the project to build these submarines was hanging fire for so long and delve on the opportunities that were lost as a result.
This is and more on this insightful new episode. Tune in!
Produced & Mixed By: Kapil Dev Singh

Loyal wingman drones: Man-machine combine set to transform aerial warfare | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 43 Oct 10, 2024

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced that flight testing for India’s ‘Loyal Wingman’ drone will begin by 2024. Part of HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System, this indigenous drone will accompany manned IAF fighter jets, offering a new dimension in air combat by working alongside or behind fighters to protect and support them. It can be launched from aircraft like the C-130 or Su-30 MKI and controlled via a secure data link.
The CATS Warrior first unveiled in 2021, is a twin-engined unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for aerial and ground attacks. HAL has teamed up with private sector players to develop this cutting-edge technology. But what exactly is a ‘loyal wingman’ drone? And how does it revolutionise the concept of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) in modern warfare?
In other news, France started developing an air-combat drone that will serve as an unmanned wingman for the country’s Rafale fighter. This is part of a contract with Dassault Aviation to start work on an upgrade package for the aircraft.
Countries like the U.S., Australia, Russia, and China are also racing to perfect this tech, which could shift pilots from direct combat roles to more strategic oversight as UAVs handle dangerous missions. Can India make its mark in this high-tech space?
In this episode, Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into the global race for ‘loyal wingman’ drones. They explore the progress made by nations like France, which has just launched its wingman project for Rafale fighters, and discuss how the integration of unmanned systems like Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat could redefine future air combat.
Tune in!
Produced by Anna Priydarshini
Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Hypersonic missiles tested in Iran-Israel conflict: Game-changer in modern warfare? | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 42 Oct 04, 2024

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Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles, including its hypersonic medium-range Fattah-2, in a major offensive aimed at overwhelming Israel’s air defences. The strikes hit key military targets such as the Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases, home to Israel’s F-35 fighter jets.
In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor unpack Iran’s recent missile offensive on Israel and how the Fattah-2, used for the first time, targeted Israel’s Arrow defence system, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. Iranian officials claim that 90% of their missiles successfully hit their targets, although Israel and the U.S. reported intercepting most of the projectiles.
So, what makes hypersonic ballistic missiles so formidable? How do they differ from traditional missiles, and what technologies allow them to bypass even the most sophisticated defence systems? How prepared is the world for the era of hypersonic missile warfare?
But this attack raises deeper questions about Iran’s military capabilities. While Iranian officials touted the success of their missiles, critics argue that Iran may exaggerate its technological prowess. Is Iran truly at the cutting edge of hypersonic technology, or is there more to the story?
We also explore the broader implications of hypersonic missile technology. Where does India fare in all of this? What’s India’s ballistic missile defence system?
With superpowers like the U.S., China, and Russia advancing their hypersonic weapons programs, this new arms race is unfolding without the regulatory oversight that controlled nuclear arms during the Cold War. What does this mean for global security? Can existing defence systems, like Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow, adapt to meet this emerging threat?
Finally, we consider the nuclear dimension. If an incoming missile is suspected to be nuclear, who makes the decision to intercept it? And what are the strategic considerations behind such a critical move?
Tune in!
Produced by Anna Priydarshini
Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

MQ-9 Reaper deal almost done: How it will help India become 'super supremely aware’ | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 41 Sep 26, 2024

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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.
Tune in!
Produced by Anna Priydarshini
Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

Lebanon pager explosions: Decoding the 'covert op' and understanding what's next | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 40 Sep 20, 2024

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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.
Listen in!
Produced by Anna Priydarshini
Sound mix by Nitin Rawat

Iconic Sea Harrier to upcoming Rafale: Deep dive into Indian Navy's fighter jets | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 39 Sep 12, 2024

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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?
Listen in!
Produced by Anna Priydarshini
Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Indian Army's tanks: Can ambitious FRCV project redeem failings of Arjun MBT programme? | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 38 Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

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?
Listen in!
Produced by Anna Priydarshini
Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Why Indian military's hunt for a rifle remains a big mess | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 37 Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

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

How special are India's Special Forces | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 36 Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

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

Breaking down India’s complex air defence system | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 35 Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

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

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