In this issue

Geopolitics' October 2018 issue celebrates the 86th year of the Indian Air Force where Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC assures the country that the IAF is prepared to respond to future challenges and safeguard Indian skies. He acknowledges that the IAF faces many challenges and that its procurement schemes were being prioritised within the budgetary resources to ensure that urgent and critical capabilities were acquired first but he maintains that it was potent enough to deliver a befitting response to any contingency. The issue also looks at the country's lengthy and cumbersome weapons acquisition process that is often plagued with the constant charges of lack of transparency, kickbacks and corruption and suggests what the Air Force has to buy and make quickly. It also finds out what the Indian Air Force must acquire the right number and types of aircraft that complement its combat strategy.
There is also a detailed report on how the IAF can counter the Chinese aerospace power that is growing by leaps and bounds, even as Pakistan is looking to boost its air power via Chinese knockoffs. Also, a look at how the repeated delays involving the Tejas light fighter have irreparably harmed the credibility of the programme. Plus: All our regular features.

Preparing For Future Challenges

As it embarks on a major fighter acquisition drive, the Indian Air Force must acquire the right number and types of aircraft that complement its combat strategy, argues

10+ mins

'F-16 Partnership With India Stands Firm'

Making F-16 wings in India is a natural next step that builds on the successful partnership between Tata and Lockheed Martin for the C-130J airlifter and S-92 helicopter, says PHIL SHAW, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India in conversation with Geopolitics.

3 mins

'The Indigenous Content In Our Brahmos Missile Has Reached Around 65 Per Cent'

The BrahMos programme, said DR. SUDHIR KUMAR MISHRA, Director General (BrahMos) DRDO, Ministry of Defence and CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace, has laid the foundation for an excellent network of industries, laboratories and institutions in the country that are collectively working for the BRAHMOS Weapon System. He emphasised that BRAHMOS had opened new work centres in India that would help to expedite BRAHMOS production and integration.

3 mins

Modernising To Meet Doctrinal Objectives

The Indian Air Force celebrating its 86th Anniversary in October 2018. It has grown in capability by leaps and bounds in the past decades and while it is somewhat smaller than its peak strength in the late 1980s, it is a much more capable force with the capacity to project Indian power beyond the nations borders. However, like the other armed services, it is in the throes of trying to match its modernisation efforts with resource constraints while simultaneously trying to achieve its doctrinal objectives, writes SANJAY BADRI-MAHARAJ

10+ mins

'The Spike Family Has A Great Legacy'

Rafael and its strategic partners are constantly working towards reaching understanding to allow for knowledge share and transfer of technology to India and other countries, says GIORA KATZ, EVP Marketing and Business Development, Rafael, in conversation with Geopolitics

2 mins

'Hal Is Involved In Major Development Programmes'

HAL is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, repair, overhaul, and upgrade and servicing of a wide range of aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines, avionics, accessories and aerospace structures, says R MADHAVAN, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL in this conversation with Geopolitics.

5 mins

'Be Rest Assured That IAF Is Prepared To Respond To Future Challenges And Safeguard Indian Skies'

Commissioned in the IAF in June 1978 as a fighter pilot, Air Chief Marshal BIRENDER SINGH DHANOA took over as the Chief of the Air Staff on January 1, 2017. As Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron, he had led the IAF punch during the Limited War against Pakistan to evict the enemy from their dug in defences in the icy heights of Kargil region. During the conflict, under his leadership and supervision, the squadron devised unique and innovative methods of bombing in the night at altitudes never before attempted in the history of air warfare. While acknowledging that the IAF faces many challenges and that its procurement schemes were being prioritised within the budgetary resources to ensure that urgent and critical capabilities were acquired first, he assured PRAKASH NANDA that it was potent enough to deliver a befitting response to any contingency. Excerpts from the interview:

9 mins

The Importance Of A Space Force

Looking at the role played by the US Air Force in space-related activities in the past decades, HARINI MADHUSUDAN finds out its relevance for the Indian Air Force in the Indian Space domain

8 mins

'Qinetiq Could Test And Evaluate Integrated Test Ranges In India'

SOPHIE LANE, Head of Strategic Engagement (International), Business Development at QinetiQ, tells Geopolitics that there could be an opportunity to work with India in the Science & Technology arena

4 mins

Rotary Lift

The IAF is now in the final phases of its helicopter modernisation and upgrade programmes,

9 mins

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Geopolitics Magazine Description:

Geopolitics Magazine published by Newsline Publications Pvt. Ltd. is a monthly magazine that covers a wide range of topics related to geopolitics, international relations, and national security, with a focus on the Indian perspective. The magazine is known for its in-depth analysis, insightful commentary, and expert opinions.

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* Geopolitical analysis and commentary: The magazine features articles by leading experts on geopolitical trends and developments, as well as their analysis of current events.
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